As members of the Association of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA), we express our deep concern and strong disagreement with the August 13 statement from the Office of the State Department Spokesperson announcing the elimination of the State Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and describing them as “DEI ideology.”

DEI is not an ideology.  It is common sense U.S. law and government policy. 

The United States is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society.  The State Department and U.S. Diplomatic Service abroad include outstanding Foreign Service professionals who reflect the diversity and entirety of our society. Our diversity is our strength, and we are stronger when we embrace it.  

The State Department has not always had a positive image with regard to diversity and inclusion.  The Department’s recent diversity programs have gradually improved the fairness of the Department’s administrative and personnel practices, as well as its external image. We believe that casting aside these programs will have a negative impact on recruitment, morale, and retention. 

The U.S. Congress and several presidents recognized the need to repair a long history of exclusion and inequality in America by passing civil rights legislation.  For diplomacy, the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, mandated a Foreign Service that reflects “the demographic and cultural diversity of the United States.”  This law paved the way, albeit imperfectly, for greater opportunity, fairness and inclusion in our diplomatic service.

The State Department must uphold our nation’s basic values of justice and equality for all.  It should end its attack on its DEI programs and recognize and embrace the multi-racial and diverse character that defines the institution and our country.  E PLURIBUS UNUM!

Info:  Pamela L. Spratlen, contact@blackamericanambassadors.org