The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has put a temporary hold on its observance of key cultural and historical events, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, and Holocaust Days of Remembrance.
This move follows an executive order from former President Donald Trump that seeks to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies. Decision and Implications A memo outlining this decision, which was obtained by The Associated Press, reveals that the DIA will cease activities related to 11 recognized annual events, such as Black History Month and National Hispanic Heritage Month.
An unnamed U.S. official, citing the sensitive nature of the topic, confirmed the authenticity of the memo and emphasized that this suspension is specific to the DIA and not representative of the entire Defense Department’s policy. The memo also noted that many staff members at the agency had raised concerns about what this decision entails, resulting in the immediate suspension of all Agency Special Emphasis Program activities until further notice.
Notably, the observance of major national holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, remains unaffected.
However, the memo indicates a general pause on various special observances throughout the year. Federal Response Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein was the first to report on this memo via social media, stirring conversations around the implications of Trump’s DEI executive order from January 20, which has raised confusion among federal agencies on how to apply its directives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently reinforced the importance of adhering strictly to this executive order, making it clear that DEI programs will not be allowed at the Pentagon. When asked about the future of Black History Month celebrations, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt maintained that the current administration continues to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all Americans, regardless of their backgrounds. Collaboration and Future Actions The DIA memo also touches upon the importance of other significant observances, including Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National American Indian Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Women’s Equality Day, and Women’s History Month. This situation mirrors recent actions taken by the Air Force, which swiftly eliminated DEI-related educational materials from basic military training, including historical references to the Tuskegee Airmen and female pilots from World War II.
Following backlash, the Air Force clarified that it would retain the legacies of these important groups in its curriculum. Moving forward, the DIA has expressed its intention to closely collaborate with the Department of Defense to ensure its practices comply with the executive order and to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Source: Militarytimes