Source: Xinhua News Agency / Getty
The Defense Intelligence Agency has banned Black History Month, Juneteenth, LBTGQ Pride Month, and several other “special observances” to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
Other banned observances include Martin Luther King Jr Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Women’s History Month, and Women’s Equality Day. In total, 11 observances have been canned by the DIA.
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This news comes on the heels of Trump signing an executive order to end federal involvement with any program related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
From NBC News:
Last week, the Justice Department sent a memo to staff announcing the closure of all of its DEI programs, saying, “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.”
Trump’s inauguration coincided with MLK Day this year. “To the Black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote,” Trump said at his inauguration.
The DIA memo went out on Jan. 28.
“DIA will pause all activities and events related to Agency Special Emphasis Programs effective immediately and until further notice,” the memo noted. “Additionally, Special Observances hosted throughout the year … are also paused.”’
“It’s despicable what’s happening,” said Troy Blackwell, who worked for the Department of Commerce in the Biden administration. “And I think it’s definitely a sign of government overreach.”
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