The Center to Advance Security in America (CASA) has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of State after the department failed to provide information regarding the hiring of Zakiya Carr Johnson as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed on April 23 to which no response was received for over 140 days.

The lawsuit aims to compel the Biden-Harris State Department to release communications between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials about Johnson’s hiring, which has sparked controversy due to her past remarks and support for far-left policies, including those related to DEI, as the Daily Wire reports.

Controversial Hiring Leads to Transparency Demands

Johnson’s hiring as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer has generated significant public attention, especially in light of her history of advocating for policies such as Critical Race Theory and comments about systemic racism in the United States.

CASA, a national security nonprofit, is demanding greater transparency from the State Department, citing Johnson’s radical statements and progressive activism as grounds for concern.

CASA’s FOIA request specifically sought internal communications among top State Department officials, including Secretary Blinken, regarding the decision to hire Johnson. The organization argues that the American public has the right to know more about how and why Johnson was chosen for the role.

Lawsuit Filed After Long FOIA Delay

After waiting over 140 days without any substantive response from the State Department, CASA decided to escalate its request by filing a lawsuit. According to the suit, CASA has "constructively exhausted its administrative remedies" due to the State Department’s failure to respond within the legally required time frame. The nonprofit is now seeking judicial intervention to obtain the requested records.

"The hiring of Zakiya Carr Johnson as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the State Department deserves maximum transparency," CASA's director, James Fitzpatrick, told The Daily Wire. Fitzpatrick highlighted Johnson’s past statements, which he described as extreme, as a key reason for the public’s need for full disclosure.

Johnson’s Past Remarks Stir Controversy

Johnson has been a vocal supporter of far-left initiatives such as Critical Race Theory, which posits that systemic racism is embedded in American institutions. In a now-deleted article, she called for the dismantling of "structural racism, patriarchy, and heterosexism" and criticized traditional leadership structures. These views have drawn significant criticism, particularly from conservative groups and individuals who view her positions as divisive.

Her hiring is part of a broader State Department effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its ranks. The department has reportedly spent over $77 million on DEI programs over the past two years, as part of an initiative to make its workforce more representative of the nation’s demographics.

State Department’s DEI Initiatives Under Scrutiny

Zakiya Carr Johnson’s appointment is not the only example of the State Department’s focus on DEI initiatives. Jessica Stern, a former activist, was previously hired by the department to advance global LGBTQI+ rights. Stern has traveled to over 20 countries promoting these efforts, further drawing attention to the department’s broader push for inclusion and equality in its diplomatic mission.

Critics of the DEI push argue that these efforts are misguided and place too much emphasis on identity politics at the expense of merit and effectiveness. Former President Donald Trump has promised to introduce reforms if re-elected that would allow the president to fire executive branch employees, including those involved in promoting DEI efforts, in an effort to rein in what he has described as the "deep state."

Trump’s Proposed Reforms Raise Concerns

At a recent rally, Trump reiterated his intention to bring major reforms to the federal bureaucracy if re-elected, specifically targeting DEI initiatives. “We will pass critical reforms making every executive branch employee fireable by the President of the United States,” Trump stated. He has criticized the growing influence of progressive ideologies within government agencies, which he believes undermines traditional values and governance.

CASA’s lawsuit adds fuel to the ongoing debate over the role of diversity and inclusion programs within the federal government. While advocates argue that these programs are essential for creating a more equitable workforce, critics view them as a waste of resources and a distraction from core diplomatic functions.

Next Steps in Legal Battle

CASA’s legal action now seeks to compel the State Department to release the requested records. The lawsuit asserts that the department has failed to comply with the FOIA's mandatory response deadlines, forcing CASA to turn to the courts for assistance. The outcome of the lawsuit could shed light on the decision-making process behind Johnson’s hiring and potentially reveal broader insights into the State Department’s internal workings.

The case will likely hinge on the department’s ability to justify the delay in responding to CASA’s FOIA request. Federal agencies are required by law to respond to such requests within a specific timeframe, and CASA is arguing that the State Department’s prolonged silence constitutes a violation of these requirements.

Conclusion

The Center to Advance Security in America is suing the State Department for failing to provide timely responses to a FOIA request regarding the hiring of Zakiya Carr Johnson as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Johnson’s controversial past statements and advocacy for far-left policies have made her appointment a point of contention. CASA’s lawsuit aims to obtain internal communications related to her hiring as part of broader concerns over the State Department’s DEI initiatives.

Meanwhile, former President Trump has promised to implement reforms that would allow him to fire executive branch employees, further intensifying the debate over the role of DEI efforts in federal agencies.