Keith Boykin: Trump’s actions on DEI are an attack on Black America

Keith Boykin This article originally published on Word In Black.& & Donald Trump has issued a& new& memorandum& to carry out his Inauguration Day& executive order& eliminating federal DEIA programs, by& placing& DEI employees& on federal leave. DEIA stands for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and Trump’s action rescinds President Biden’s& executive order& from 2021, which sought to make the federal government “a model” for effective DEIA.& Trump’s order inaccurately describes DEIA as “radical,” “illegal,” and “immoral discrimination.” So, let’s look at what the federal government’s DEI programs actually do. Federal DEI programs set goals in& 8 different areas. & Data collection, to give us a better understanding of who is and isn’t in the federal workforce & Paid Internships, which provide valuable opportunities and experience for people from underserved communities& & Recruitment, so that the government doesn’t just hire the usual suspects but posts job announcements in places where other people can see them,& & Professional development, so that once people are hired, they can continue to expand their skills and become better workers, & Fair treatment of people with disabilities, so that they can get a job and find appropriate accommodations,& & & LGBT fairness, so that spouses...