Dozens of Education Department workers placed on leave over Trump's anti-DEI order

In the United States, dozens of employees at the Education Department were put on paid administrative leave as a result of President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives within the federal government. This action was part of a broader strategy to remove DEI programs that Trump described as divisive or racist. The order directed government agencies to place employees connected to DEIA offices on leave, which took effect immediately. According to the American Federation of Government Employees, at least 55 employees received a notification about their leave, a number which included senior-level staff as well as workers from diverse areas within the department. The affected workers were not primarily involved in DEI initiatives, but many had participated in voluntary diversity training provided by the agency. This training had been encouraged by the department for years, including during Trump's first administration. Union President Sheria Smith noted that the agency employed a total of over 4,000 personnel, with a significant number having engaged in the Diversity Change Agent program. The letter notifying employees of their leave indicated that it was not for disciplinary reasons, yet it left many wondering about the circumstances surrounding their placements and the impact on ongoing projects and operations within the department. Many of those placed on leave expressed concern regarding how this disruption would affect essential programs, such as federal student loan management and the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). The actual number of employees left uncertain, as Smith clarified that while 55 had been emailed their leave notification, many others who underwent the same training had not received similar treatment. The unpredictability surrounding these changes raised issues about the fairness of encouraging staff to pursue training only to face repercussions several years later. Supporters of Trump's policies argued that the actions taken against employees who engaged in DEI training were necessary to eliminate what they perceive as problematic ideologies within the federal government. Trump, who once called for shutting down the Education Department, framed his efforts as a means to reclaim authority and ensure that government agencies align with conservative values. This led to a climactic clash between labor unions advocating for workers' rights and an administration intent on overhauling federal employment practices as related to DEI programs. The controversy surrounding these developments highlights a growing divide in U.S. politics over race relations, inclusion, and the role of federal agencies in promoting social justice and equity programs.