Trump Admin Issues Directive to Close DEI Offices Nationwide in the U.S

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a memorandum instructing all federal agencies to close their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) offices following the repeal of Executive Order 14035. The executive order, which originally promoted DEIA initiatives in the federal workforce, has been rescinded by the administration’s recent orders titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.

The directive, issued by Acting Director Charles Ezell on January 21, 2025, outlines a strict timeline for agencies to dismantle their DEIA programs and report compliance to OPM.

Key Deadlines and Actions

Agencies are required to take the following steps:

• By 5:00 PM EST on January 22, 2025:
  • Notify employees of the closure of DEIA offices and programs.
  • Place affected employees on paid administrative leave.
  • Remove all outward-facing media, including websites and social media accounts related to DEIA initiatives.
• By 12:00 PM EST on January 23, 2025:
  • Submit a comprehensive list of DEIA offices and personnel as of November 5, 2024.
  • Provide a full inventory of DEIA-related agency contracts.
  • Detail agency plans to ensure compliance with the memorandum and executive orders.
• By 5:00 PM EST on January 31, 2025:
  • Submit a written plan for a reduction-in-force action concerning DEIA employees.
  • Provide a list of any contract or personnel changes made since November 5, 2024, that could potentially obscure connections to DEIA programs.

Compliance and Reporting

Agencies are instructed to send reports to [email protected], with a copy to Amanda Scales, the designated OPM contact for questions regarding the implementation process.

Federal officials emphasize the importance of adherence to the outlined timelines to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the new directives. The memo also advises agencies to coordinate closely with OPM when formulating their workforce reduction plans.

The repeal and subsequent closure of DEIA programs mark a significant shift in federal workforce policies, with ongoing discussions about the broader implications for diversity and inclusion efforts within government operations.