In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump signed a series of documents this week that aim to dismantle Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives within the federal government, citing civil rights concerns and a push for merit-based frameworks.

On Tuesday, the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued directives to federal agencies to begin closing DEIA offices, following Trump's executive orders, as Fox News reports.

Executive Orders Target Diversity Programs

The new directives stemmed from executive orders signed by President Trump. On Monday, Jan. 20, Trump eradicated all DEI programs in government agencies and established a policy formally recognizing only two genders: male and female.

The following day, further orders ended race- and sex-based preferences in federal positions and education. A specific memo emphasized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requiring them to revert to merit-based hiring practices.

OPM's Immediate Steps for Office Closures

The OPM directed agencies on Tuesday, Jan. 21, to take immediate action. By Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at 5 p.m., agencies must notify employees about the DEIA office closures and temporarily place affected personnel on paid leave.

Another key instruction involves the removal of all DEIA-related external media. Agencies must also rescind documentation tied to the repealed Executive Order 14035, originally issued on June 25, 2021.

Reporting, Compliance Requirements Outlined

In addition to the immediate shutdown, the OPM has outlined specific reporting requirements. By Thursday, Jan. 23  at noon, agencies must provide lists of DEIA offices, employees, and contracts as of Nov. 5.

Additionally, agencies need to present compliance plans following the new orders. By Friday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m., further reporting requires submitting workforce reduction plans and detailing any role changes obscuring DEIA links.

FAA's Targeted Measures, Safety Focus

Revised procedures at the FAA focus on ceasing DEI hiring programs. This includes retraining performance evaluations for staff in crucial safety roles and prioritizing hiring based on expertise and capability.

The FAA memo stresses that "illegal and discriminatory" DEI initiatives harm passengers. The memo must rescind any DEI-driven preferences, favoring job excellence and qualifications instead.

Reactions, Statements from Leadership

Charles Ezell, Acting Director of the OPM, instructed agencies to disseminate notices about the DEIA closure to employees. He urged staff to report any covert DEIA initiatives.

President Trump defended these measures, stating, "These civil-rights protections serve as a bedrock supporting equality of opportunity for all Americans." He argued that modern DEIA practices risk contravening national civil rights laws.

Broader Implications of Directives

Trump's orders assert that DEIA practices diminish civil rights achieved over 60 years ago. He criticized contemporary institutions for embedding what he described as "destructive" race- and sex-based preferences under DEIA pretenses.

Proponents of the new orders argue for a return to equal opportunity regardless of gender or race. However, critics argue this rollback potentially neglects the diversity gains achieved over recent decades.

Future Prospects, Policy Shifts

The transition away from DEIA initiatives marks a distinct policy shift from the previous administration's diversity initiatives, especially under Executive Order 14035.

The reorientation could impact federal hiring processes and perceptions of institutional inclusivity going forward.

With the January deadlines looming, agencies face pressure to comply swiftly with the reporting and removal requirements.

The full impacts on federal employment structures remain to be seen as the government shifts towards a revised focus on merit-based practices.