Exclusive: The FBI has shut down its DEI office, Fox News has confirmed.
“In recent weeks, the FBI has taken steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) by December 2024,” the agency told FOX News Digital on Thursday.
The agency has not given a reason for the closure, but many Republican lawmakers have criticized the agency's priorities for diversity, equity and inclusion, which they say are overshadowing national security.
Earlier this month, Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray saying “radical” DEI practices are “putting Americans at risk” following the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. he claimed.
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The J. Edgar Hoover Building, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, photographed on October 8, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
“Under your leadership, the department has prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) over its core mission of protecting the American people,” Balkburn wrote in a Jan. 3 letter, citing the attack. We are deeply concerned that the government is prioritizing the efforts of
After the announcement, Blackburn wrote in a post on X: “The question is why we were allowed to focus on DEI in the first place. We need to concentrate.”
President-elect Trump also commented on the closure in an article for Truth Social: “We demand that the FBI preserve and preserve all records, documents, and information regarding the now-closed DEI office, which should never have been opened and which was open. They should have done that.''They closed a long time ago, so why are they closing the store the day before the new government takes office?The reason is corruption!''
The FBI's diversity and inclusion page, which remained on its website as of Thursday, says the agency is “committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.” In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization's core values.
Furthermore, “We believe that differences in ideas and beliefs, races and religions, orientations, and abilities contribute to more effective decision-making, driving innovation, and improving the employee experience. We recognize that being more diverse allows us to: ” As today's FBI, we work to foster a culture of inclusion and diversity. I also understand that there are issues that need to be addressed. ”
Nicole Parker, a former FBI special agent and FOX News contributor, told FOX News Digital, “I value diversity in all its forms. Don't get me wrong, I value diversity. What we don't have is the relentless weaponization of social justice at the top of the FBI.''The priority is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution.'' ”
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Scott McMillion became the FBI's first chief diversity officer in April 2021, leading the FBI's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which was created in 2012. (Reuters/FBI)
Additionally, as FBI Director Christopher Wray stated in Congressional testimony, threats to and against the United States are at “all-time highs. 'Red lights are flashing.' It's time for clubs, organizations, and organizations to… “No,” he added. or a social agenda that diverts time, attention, and resources from the FBI's mission to protect the American people. ”
“DEI is a dangerous distraction,” she continued. “I have no problem celebrating what you want in terms of your heritage, your gender, your religion. But it should be done in your own time and within the official hours of the U.S. should not be done using taxpayer money.”
Parker continued, “The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest based solely on meritocracy. Americans deserve the best people.'' “I've never heard of a person calling the FBI and asking for a specific race or person of ethnicity,” he added. Gender provides support to solve their problems or stop the crimes they have been victimized. ”
The FBI's Office of Diversity and Inclusion was established in 2012 to “guide and implement programs that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can succeed and advance.” (Getty/FBI)
“The FBI should focus on coming together in the fight against crime, rather than having its various groups and departments split apart,” she said.
Parker also said that in addition to the DEI office, the FBI also has other organizations including the American Indian and Alaska Native Advisory Committee, the Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, the Black Affairs Diversity Committee, the Office of Equality, the Hispanic Advisory Committee, the He also mentioned that there are many groups, including those in the Near East. Advisory Board, Disability Advisory Board, Veterans Affairs Advisory Board, and Women's Advisory Board.
She is a member of the bureau's Blacks in Government, FBI African American Millennials, FBI Families, FBI Jewish Americans, FBI Latinos for Empowerment Advancement and Development, FBI Pride, Federal Asian Pacific American There are also a number of resource groups, including People's Lawyers, Federally Employed Women and From Boots, he said. Suits and Toastmasters Club.
Wray announced in December that he planned to step down with nearly three years left in his term, citing President Trump's desire to change leadership at the agency.
This week will be President Biden's last week in office. President-elect Trump will be inaugurated on Monday.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee to head the FBI, for comment.
The FBI's Office of Diversity and Inclusion was established in 2012 during the Obama administration with the goal of “guiding and implementing programs that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can succeed and advance.” It is said that
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Scott McMillion will become the FBI's first chief diversity officer in 2021 after Biden takes office, saying he intends to spearhead a “cultural transformation” at the agency.
