US Customs and Border Protection employees told not to use DEI terms

Published: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 am

CBP Instructs Employees to Remove DEI Language: A Shift in Focus?

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has instructed its employees to remove references to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) terms from official documents and communications, including social media and press releases. This directive, which CBP neither confirmed nor denied, follows President Trump's executive orders targeting DEI initiatives. The list of prohibited terms is extensive, encompassing a wide range of related acronyms and phrases like "Affirmative Action," "Gender Equality," and "Social Justice."

This move has sparked debate. While CBP maintains its policy of not commenting on leaked information, the agency stated it is adhering to the President's directive. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) criticized the move, arguing it wastes federal employees' time and distracts from security concerns. Conversely, Simon Hankinson from the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, supports the action, viewing it as a necessary step to dismantle what he calls a "woke" bureaucracy and return to a merit-based system.

The implications of this policy shift are significant. It signals a clear departure from the DEI-focused approach that gained traction under the Biden administration. The directive could impact how CBP communicates with the public and potentially influence its hiring and operational practices. The focus appears to be on removing language perceived as promoting specific ideologies and ensuring a focus on meritocracy.

BNN's Perspective: This decision reflects a broader political trend of reevaluating DEI initiatives. While the intent to promote merit and equal opportunity is laudable, the practical impact of removing these terms remains to be seen. Striking a balance between fostering inclusivity and ensuring efficient operations will be crucial for CBP moving forward.

Keywords: CBP, Customs and Border Protection, DEI, Diversity Equity Inclusion, Trump, Executive Order, Bennie Thompson, Heritage Foundation, Meritocracy, Government, Policy, Communications, Social Media, Press Releases, Affirmative Action, Gender Equality, Social Justice, Immigration, Border Security.

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