Removing Discrimination and Discriminatory Equity Ideology From the Foreign Service
Date: March 19, 2025
Source: The White House
Issued by: President Donald J. Trump
Introduction: A Shift Towards Merit-Based Foreign Service
In a major policy move, President Donald J. Trump has issued a memorandum titled “Removing Discrimination and Discriminatory Equity Ideology From the Foreign Service.” This directive marks a clear departure from the previous administration’s focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the Foreign Service. The aim is to establish a merit-based system in all hiring, promotions, and evaluations.
This article breaks down the key aspects of the policy, its implications, and the path forward for the Foreign Service.
🎯 Key Objectives of the Memorandum
- Eliminate Discriminatory Equity Ideology
- Promote Merit-Based Hiring
- Ensure Equality and Non-Discrimination
- Review Past Incidents of Discrimination
According to the White House, this policy is designed to ensure that race, color, religion, sex, or national origin are not used as criteria for recruitment, hiring, promotions, or retention.
📖 Understanding Discriminatory Equity Ideology
The memorandum defines “Discriminatory Equity Ideology” based on Executive Order 14190 (January 29, 2025), which aims to end “radical indoctrination” in schools and government institutions. In this context, it refers to policies that:
- Prioritize identity-based preferences over merit-based selection
- Promote race or gender quotas
- Undermine equal treatment and fair competition
🏛 Key Sections of the Memorandum
✅ 1. Policy and Purpose
- The core policy mandates that foreign policy positions will be filled based on merit.
- It rejects policies that favor certain groups over others.
✅ 2. Definitions
- Discriminatory Equity Ideology: As per Executive Order 14190.
- Department, Foreign Service, and Secretary: Refer to definitions under 22 U.S.C. 3902.
- Foreign Service Member: Defined by 22 U.S.C. 3903.
✅ 3. Equality and Non-Discrimination in the Foreign Service
- Revise Promotion and Tenure Criteria:
- The Core Precept related to DEIA will be removed from the Foreign Affairs Manual.
- Prohibit Discriminatory Practices:
- Departments are instructed not to base decisions on race, religion, gender, or national origin.
- Officials are restricted from advocating for or promoting discriminatory equity ideology.
- Investigate Discrimination Cases:
- Departments must investigate any Foreign Service Members found to have engaged in illegal or unconstitutional discrimination.
- Appropriate action will be taken for violations.
⚖ Judicial and Legal Considerations
The memorandum aligns with key legal precedents emphasizing merit-based hiring and equal protection:
1. Gratz v. Bollinger (539 U.S. 244, 2003)
- The Supreme Court ruled against racial quotas in university admissions, reinforcing the merit-based principle.
2. Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (600 U.S. ___, 2023)
- Affirmed that race-conscious policies violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
3. Ricci v. DeStefano (557 U.S. 557, 2009)
- Found that disregarding objective test results in hiring decisions based on race was unconstitutional.
Implications for the Foreign Service
🔎 For Foreign Service Officers (FSOs):
- Performance will be evaluated based on merit, experience, and capabilities.
- DEIA initiatives will no longer influence promotions or hiring decisions.
⚖ For the State Department:
- The promotion and tenure criteria will be updated.
- Allegations of discrimination based on the old policies may lead to investigations and actions.
🌐 For the General Public:
- The policy is aimed at ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process in U.S. foreign diplomacy.
Final Take
The White House’s decision to eliminate discriminatory equity ideology from the Foreign Service reflects a commitment to meritocracy. While it may face opposition from those who support diversity programs, the administration emphasizes that the policy ensures equal opportunities for all candidates.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Will the removal of DEIA policies affect minority representation in the Foreign Service?
- The memorandum promotes equal opportunity. Minority candidates can still succeed based on merit and qualifications.
Q2. Can Foreign Service Members challenge discriminatory actions?
- Yes. Federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protect employees from workplace discrimination.
Q3. How can one apply for a Foreign Service position under the new guidelines?
- Interested candidates can visit the U.S. Department of State website for application details.
Text of The Presidential Order
SUBJECT: Removing Discrimination and Discriminatory Equity
Ideology From the Foreign Service
Section 1. Policy and Purpose. Over the last 4 years, divisive and discriminatory policies were systematically embedded into every part of the Federal Government, including hiring processes and employee performance evaluations in the Foreign Service. It is the policy of the Federal Government that hiring in foreign policy positions, like hiring in all other parts of the Government, shall be based solely on merit.
Sec. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this memorandum:
(a) “discriminatory equity ideology” shall have the meaning given that phrase in section 2 of Executive Order 14190 of January 29, 2025 (Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling);
(b) “Department,” “Foreign Service,” and “Secretary” shall have the meanings given those terms in 22 U.S.C. 3902; and
(c) “Foreign Service Member” means an individual described by 22 U.S.C. 3903.
Sec. 3. Equality and Non-Discrimination in the Foreign Service. (a) The Secretary of State shall, consistent with applicable law, promptly revise the 2022-2025 Decision Criteria for Tenure and Promotion in the Foreign Service, issued under section 2326.2 of title 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual, to remove any reference to the Core Precept entitled “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.” The Secretaries shall promptly direct all employees of their Departments not to give this Core Precept any force or effect.
(b) The Secretaries shall direct all officers and employees of their Departments not to:
(i) base Foreign Service recruitment, hiring, promotion, or retention decisions upon an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; or
(ii) while acting in an official capacity, promote, advocate for, or otherwise inculcate support for discriminatory equity ideology.
(c) The Secretaries shall determine if any current Foreign Service Members have knowingly and willfully engaged in unconstitutional or otherwise illegal discrimination based upon race or other protected characteristics, including actions motivated by discriminatory equity ideology. Consistent with Executive Order 14211 of February 12, 2025 (One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations) the Secretaries shall:
(i) with respect to Foreign Service Members appointed by a Secretary whom that Secretary finds to have engaged in such discrimination, take appropriate action; and
(ii) with respect to Foreign Service Members appointed by the President, determine whether to refer any findings of discrimination for the President’s consideration or take appropriate action under the Secretary’s own authority.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
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