Overview
- The State Department announced on Thursday that it has formally revoked Biden-era diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility guidance that instructed diplomats to raise DEI issues with foreign governments.
- Department officials say the move removes DEI factors from training and performance reviews and replaces them with a focus on core diplomatic tradecraft and merit-based promotion.
- The action follows President Trump’s 2025 executive order directing agencies to eliminate DEI offices and performance requirements and the department cites that order as its authority for the overhaul.
- Reports published alongside the announcement allege that prior Foreign Service materials included readings and toolkits such as White Fragility and language-specific DEI exercises, but those specific claims vary in sourcing and independent verification.
- The change could alter how U.S. diplomats raise human-rights and inclusion topics overseas and may affect recruitment, retention, and what is taught at State training courses, so observers should watch diplomatic messaging, promotion outcomes, and curriculum updates.