Department of Labor Tells Employees to Report Anyone Prioritizing DEI

A Department of Labor email urged employees to file whistleblower complaints and report instances of discrimination or retaliation tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The message defined DEI-related discrimination as employment actions motivated in whole or in part by protected characteristics such as race, color, sex, national origin, or religion. It listed examples including restricting networking or professional development to specific groups, awarding recognition or compensation based on contributions to diversity goals rather than metrics, and providing preferences or disparate treatment justified by diversity or equity. The email stated a three-year statute of limitations for reporting and included instructions for filing a whistleblower report with the Office of Special Counsel. The email was sent from a DOL guidance account and was not signed by specific leadership.

"“DEI-related discrimination occurs when any employment action (hiring, promotion, training access, mentoring, assignments, awards, etc.) is motivated in whole or in part by an employee's or applicant's race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or other protected characteristics.”"

"“restricting networking events or professional development to specific racial, sex, or ethnic groups”; “awarding recognition, compensation, or opportunities based in part on contribution to 'diversity goals' rather than metrics”; and “any preference or disparate treatment justified by 'diversity' or 'equity.'”"

"“The email also reminds employees that the statute of limitations for reporting is three years, which would in theory allow employees to report events from before President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. Instructions about how to file a whistleblower report with the Office of Special Counsel were also included in the email.”"

"“The notice was titled ‘Reporting DEI-Related Discrimination, Retaliation, and Related Whistleblower Disclosures’ and came from a ‘DOL Guidance and Information’ email account. It was not signed by any particular member of DOL leadership.”"

Read at WIRED