XPost: alt.fan.rush-limbaugh, alt.politics.republicans, talk.politics.guns

'FBI closed DEI office in December, agency says'

<https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fbi-closed-dei-office-december-agency-says>



'EXCLUSIVE: The FBI has closed its DEI office, Fox News can confirm.

"In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity
and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024," the agency told Fox
News Digital on Thursday.

The agency didn't specify why it had closed the office, although many Republicans have been critical of it prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion, saying that had overshadowed national security.


Earlier this month, Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to
FBI Director Christopher Wray claiming that "radical" DEI practices had "endangered" Americans following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in
New Orleans.

IS DEI DYING? HERE'S THE LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE ROLLED BACK THE
‘WOKE’ POLICIES

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters in Washington, DC
The J. Edgar Hoover building, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, is photographed on October 8, 2024 in Washington, DC.
(Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

"I am deeply concerned that—under your leadership—the Bureau has prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its
core mission of protecting the American people," Balckburn wrote in the
Jan. 3 letter after referencing the attack.

The FBI page on diversity and inclusion – that was still on its website
as of Thursday – says the agency is "committed to cultivating a diverse
and inclusive workforce. In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization's core values.

It continued: "We believe that differences in thought and belief, in
race and religion, in orientation, and in ability contribute to more
effective decision making, drive innovation, and enhance the employee experience. We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect
with and maintain the trust of the American people. We also understand
we have work to do. We stand committed, as today’s FBI, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity."

Former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor Nicole Parker told Fox
News Digital: "I appreciate all forms of diversity. Make no mistake of
that. What I do not appreciate is when there is a constant push for
social justice weaponization at the FBI whose top priorities are to
protect the American people and uphold the Constitution."

NATIONAL SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION SLAMS STATE OF POLICING UNDER BIDEN,
THROWS FULL SUPPORT BEHIND PATEL FOR FBI

FBI DEI
Scott McMillion became the FBI’s first chief diversity officer in April
2021 and led the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which was
established in 2012. (Reuters/FBI)


She added that FBI Director Christopher Wray has made it clear that
threats across and against the nation are "at an all-time high.
‘Flashing red lights,’ as he has stated in congressional testimony.
There is no time for clubs, groups, or social agendas that divert time, attention and resources away from the mission of the FBI to protect the American people."

"DEI is a dangerous distraction," she continued. "I have no issue in celebrating whatever you would like regarding your heritage or gender or religion. But that should be done on your own time and not with the U.S. taxpayers' dollars while on official Bureau time."

Parker added, "The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest
based solely on meritocracy. Americans deserve the best. I have never
been on an operation or heard of a civilian calling into the FBI and
requesting an individual of a certain race or gender provide them with assistance in solving their problem or stopping a crime they've fallen
victim to. Americans simply want to be safe."

FBI DEI
The FBI’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was created in 2012 to
provide "guidance and implement programs that promote a diverse and
inclusive workplace that allows all employees to succeed and advance." (Getty/FBI)

"The FBI should be focused on being one in fighting crime, not various
groups and divisions that divide," she said.

Parker also noted that there are numerous other groups within the FBI
aside from the DEI office, including the American Indian and Alaska
Native Advisory Committee, Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee,
Black Affairs Diversity Committee, Bureau Equality, Hispanic Advisory
Board, Near and Middle East Advisory Committee, Persons with
Disabilities Advisory Committee, Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee,
and the Women's Advisory Committee.

She said the bureau also has numerous resource groups, including Blacks
in Government, FBI African American Millennials, FBI Family, FBI Jewish Americans, FBI Latinos for Empowerment Advancement and Development, FBI
Pride, Federal Asian Pacific American Counsel, Federally Employed Women,
From Boots to Suits and the Toastmasters Club.

Wray announced in December that he planned to resign with nearly three
years left in his term, citing Trump's desire for a change in leadership
at the agency.


This is President Biden's last week in office. President-elect Trump
will take office on Monday.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the
FBI, for comment.

The FBI’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was created in 2012 during
the Obama administration with its goal to provide "guidance and
implement programs that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that
allows all employees to succeed and advance."

In 2021, after Biden took office, Scott McMillion became the FBI’s first chief diversity officer, saying that he planned to spearhead a "cultural
shift" at the agency'

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)