Washington:

President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday directed federal agencies to begin furloughing staff in positions related to diversity programs after being placed on paid leave earlier this week.

The job cuts, aimed at combating discrimination such as racism and sexism, are the latest in a flurry of right-wing initiatives the 78-year-old Republican has put in place since his return to the White House.

“Each agency, department, or commission head shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, take action to terminate all DEI, DEIA, and “Environmental Justice” offices and positions within 60 days. Ga,” said a memo from the US Office of Personnel. Management, citing jobs that aim to promote “diversity, equity, inclusion and access.”

Earlier this week, Trump ordered government agency heads to submit a written plan to reduce staffing at DEI offices by the close of business Friday.

However, the reference to environmental justice appears to be new.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s website defines it as “the inclusion of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other federal activities affecting human health, I have done as a fair and meaningful environment.”

During last year’s presidential campaign, Trump denounced DEI policies in the federal government and the corporate world, saying they discriminated against white people — especially men.

He also demonized any recognition of gender diversity, attacks on transgender people — particularly transgender women in sports — and gender-affirming child care.

Trump has already ended what he called “radical” affirmative action on federal contracts, and repealed an order designed to combat racism that dates back to the civil rights era of the 1960s. is of

He has also promised to end pro-transgender policies, insisting that the US will only officially recognize two genders.

His earlier orders also required federal department and agency heads to “ask employees if they know of any attempts to hide these (DEI) programs by using coded or false language.” “

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



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