The US Department of Labour (DOL) has issued a directive asking employees to report colleagues’ activities linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Staff were told they could flag incidents dating back to 2023 and would be protected under whistleblower rules.
It is pertinent to mention here that the month of June is celebrated as Pride month with major events and parades being organised across the US, especially in cities such as Chicago.
The email, sent from a general DOL account, described DEI-related discrimination as actions in hiring, mentoring, or workplace events motivated by race, gender, or other protected traits. It listed prohibited practices such as restricting participation based on identity or rewarding employees for their commitment to diversity. Reports can be filed with the Office of Special Counsel, which offers whistleblower protection, or with the Civil Rights Centre, though the latter requires complaints within 45 days.
The move comes amid the Trump administration’s broader campaign against DEI initiatives. Since returning to office, the administration has issued executive orders and directives targeting diversity programs across federal agencies. The DOL’s order allows employees to challenge DEI-linked activities approved under the previous Biden administration.
Leadership changes have added to the spotlight. Former acting labour secretary Keith Sonderling who was known to be a supporter of reducing bias in AI recruitment has reportedly not taken a clear stand with regard to DEI. Meanwhile, his predecessor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was openly critical of DEI, resigned in April following workplace misconduct allegations.
Activities once encouraged under DEI frameworks may now be treated as violations, creating uncertainty for employees and managers.
