The Department of Labor sent an internal email directing employees to report any colleague who appears to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The message, sent in late January, explicitly covers behavior that predates President Donald Trump's second inauguration, according to a copy obtained by WIRED.
One employee described the directive as a “reminder to narc on your coworkers.” The email signals a new era of enforcement under the Trump administration, which has targeted DEI programs across the federal government.
What the Email Says
The email instructs workers to report “any individual who prioritizes DEI over merit” or who engages in activities that promote DEI principles. It does not define what constitutes prioritizing DEI, leaving interpretation to individual employees. The broad language has raised concerns about potential misuse and a chilling effect on workplace culture.
The directive applies to all employees at the Department of Labor, including contractors. It encourages reporting through official channels, and it warns that failure to comply could result in disciplinary action.
Why This Matters
This policy directly affects thousands of federal workers who may now fear retaliation for participating in employee resource groups, mentoring programs or training sessions tied to DEI. The vague language creates uncertainty about what actions are reportable. Beyond the Labor Department, this move signals a broader federal crackdown on DEI initiatives, which could have ripple effects across government agencies and private sector contractors who follow federal guidelines.
Workers risk being reported for actions that were previously encouraged or even required by their agencies. The policy also raises legal questions about free speech and workplace rights. Critics argue that such reporting systems foster a culture of suspicion rather than collaboration.
Context and Backlash
The Trump administration has made dismantling DEI programs a priority since taking office. Executive orders have already scaled back DEI training and hiring practices in federal agencies. The Labor Department email is one of the most direct attempts to enforce those orders at the employee level.
Some labor unions have vowed to challenge the directive, calling it a violation of collective bargaining agreements. Legal experts say the policy could face lawsuits arguing that it infringes on protections against discriminatory enforcement. The American Federation of Government Employees has urged members to document any reporting requests and to consult union representatives.
For now, the email remains in effect, and employees must navigate a workplace where reporting a coworker's DEI focus is now official policy.
