In a significant shift within the Veterans Affairs (VA) department, more than 60 employees have been placed on administrative leave following the dismantling of various diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices.
This decision reflects a larger trend in government aimed at reevaluating the effectiveness and direction of DEI initiatives.
Closure of DEI Offices
VA officials confirmed to Military Times that the closures of the DEI offices are permanent.
They explained that the individuals affected were primarily involved in diversity-centric roles.
However, clear timelines for possible reassignments or layoffs remain uncertain.
On Wednesday, Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter delivered a message to the staff that echoed recent guidance from the White House on these office closures.
Other leaders within the department also supported this directive, with Hunter highlighting concerns that DEI programs had led to division among Americans, misused taxpayer money, and engaged in discriminatory practices.
Reactions and Concerns
The news has left many VA employees feeling uncertain and anxious.
Conversations on internal message boards, some of which were shared with Military Times, indicate worries about further job cuts and the ramifications of dismantling DEI initiatives.
Conversely, some employees are calling for more sweeping changes, including the elimination of certain policies, such as the use of preferred pronouns in official communications, and suggest repercussions for those who advocated for such policies under the past administration.
Adding to the scrutiny, the White House has launched an initiative to identify government entities that may be obfuscating DEI programs under ambiguous or misleading terminology.
Federal employees are being encouraged to report any colleagues they suspect of this practice.
Union and Leadership Responses
Earlier this week, the leader of the VA’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I-DEA) Influencers Network announced that the network would be disbanded.
This initiative had aimed to improve the participation of minority and LGBTQ+ veterans within the department.
In a note to members, the leadership reassured them that this cessation would not minimize the value of their contributions or the importance of the supported initiatives.
Union representatives have voiced strong opposition to these developments, asserting that such actions are unnecessary and might harm both military readiness and the accessibility of healthcare for veterans.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed concerns that these cancellations represent a strategic move by the former Trump administration to erode merit-based principles in civil service, transforming hiring and firing into loyalty tests.
Former President Trump has condemned these inclusion initiatives, labeling them as harmful and divisive due to their focus on racial and cultural differences.
Alongside the DEI office closures, the VA has also discontinued online materials associated with prior inclusion efforts.
Employees have been directed to withdraw any related documents, directives, or equity plans that are still in use.
With a workforce exceeding 450,000, the VA employs around 90% of its staff in healthcare roles or as support for medical facilities.
The ongoing transformations raise significant questions about the future direction of DEI efforts within the department.
Source: Militarytimes