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A renewed push in the Senate is raising questions about the future of diversity-focused hiring in the federal government. Just when we thought DEI was finally gone, Democrats are pushing to have it reinstated in the State Department.
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From The American Conservative:
Despite President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio working to do away with Obama and Biden-era diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI; the State Department added an “A” for accessibility under Biden, so DEIA) programs and their enforcement bureaucracy, Democrats in the Senate are pushing to revive two programs, the Charles Rangel and Thomas Pickering Fellowships. Both exist to provide an alternative pathway into the Foreign Service with benefits not available through the standard hiring process, with a focus on increasing representation of underrepresented groups. Both programs are currently suspended, unless the Democrats get their way.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, (D-MD) joined by 21 other Senate Democrats, recently sent a letter to Rubio urging him to hire the more than 50 fellows now in the pipeline, claiming that “taxpayers have invested millions of dollars in these diplomats” and diplomatic readiness has been affected. Van Hollen also wants State to “clarify the situation for future cohorts” in reviving the fellowships as the two programs are no longer accepting applicants “pending updates from the U.S. Department of State.”
What are the two programs the Democrats are stumping for, and what have they done for the State Department?
The Charles Rangel and Thomas Pickering fellowships were originally created to increase diversity within the Foreign Service, offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities that go beyond the traditional testing pathway. While applicants must still ultimately pass required exams, the additional training and institutional support give fellows a distinct advantage compared to those entering through the standard merit-based process.
Supporters argue these programs help address long-standing representation gaps within the diplomatic corps. We know, however, that such programs create unequal standards and introduce bias into what has historically been a merit-driven system. The debate has only intensified in light of recent legal challenges to race-based policies, including Supreme Court rulings that have limited the use of race in academic admissions.
At its core, this issue reflects a broader national conversation about fairness, opportunity, and the role of government in shaping outcomes. As policymakers weigh whether to revive these fellowships, they must also consider how such programs align with current law, public opinion, and the long-term integrity of federal institutions.
This is a moment to pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders. Ask the Lord to guide decisions with truth and justice, and to thoroughly remove DEI from every level of government!
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(Excerpt from The American Conservative. Photo Credit: Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)
