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Dozens of Employees Removed from Duties

The U.S. Department of Education placed dozens of employees on paid administrative leave following President Donald Trump’s executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) reported that at least 55 staff members received leave notices Friday night, with more expected.

Those affected worked in civil rights, IT, public relations, and student support services. AFGE spokesperson Brittany Holder confirmed that the department removed them not for disciplinary reasons but due to Trump’s executive order. Officials also revoked their work email access.

Diversity Training Under Review

Union representatives believe these suspensions relate to employees’ involvement in the “Diversity Change Agent” program, a long-running DEI training initiative. The Education Department had previously described this program as a way to foster inclusivity, acknowledge diversity, and strengthen workplace collaboration.

Internal emails from March 2019 show that department leaders encouraged staff participation in the training during Trump’s first term. Despite its longstanding history, the new administration’s policies now target DEI programs for elimination.

Widespread DEI Cuts Spark Concern

The Education Department has already terminated millions of dollars in DEI-related contracts and removed over 200 online DEI resources from its website. It also deleted materials supporting LGBTQ students, Hispanic-serving institutions, and tribal colleges.

As Trump’s administration rapidly dismantles DEI programs, many question the future of diversity initiatives in federal agencies. The Biden administration had expanded these efforts, but the new leadership is quickly reversing those policies. With further suspensions expected, the full extent of these changes remains uncertain.