The Impact of the Trump Administration on DEI Programs
The consequences of the Trump administration are becoming clearer in the United States. The recent order to shut down the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program has put around one lakh Indian workers at risk. President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of DEI appointments and placed all DEI employees on paid leave until January 31. Consequently, DEI offices across various states have been closed, and a decision regarding the future of DEI employees will be made on February 1. Reports have been requested from all federal offices concerning this matter.
Currently, there are about 3.2 million federal employees in the US, out of which 800,000 are associated with the DEI program. Among these, 100,000 are Indian nationals, which includes both US citizens and those on H-1B visas. However, Indian students working part-time are not counted in this number.
New Travel Visa Requirements
In a related development, travelers heading to the US on travel visas must now present a return ticket at the airport. An elderly Indian couple faced difficulties at Newark Airport when they were denied entry because they did not have a return ticket. They were visiting their son for five months and claimed that immigration officials informed them of this requirement, which has been in place since January.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Trump has stated his intention to end DEI initiatives to promote merit-based job and educational opportunities. With a population of 350 million in America, around 200 million are white, which forms a crucial part of Trump’s voter base. By eliminating DEI, he aims to create more job opportunities for white Americans. Approximately 120 million whites are employed in both government and private sectors, and Trump’s actions seem directed towards increasing their job prospects. The establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk is perceived as a strategy to decrease job opportunities for non-white individuals.
Understanding DEI
The DEI program, which has been operational since the 1960s, aims to provide equal opportunities across various sectors, including employment and education. It is inspired by the principles championed by former President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The program ensures that federal and state governments provide jobs to religious and ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals. It operates under fixed quotas in all government departments.
In many ways, the US DEI program can be compared to the reservation system in India, which aims to ensure representation for various classes in employment and education.
Private Sector Compliance
In the US, it is mandatory for the private sector to adhere to DEI principles when hiring.
Corporate Responses
Recently, prominent companies like Meta, Boeing, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Ford, Molson, Harley Davidson, and McDonald’s have announced the closure of their DEI programs. However, two major corporations, Apple and Costco, have expressed their commitment to continuing DEI initiatives.
