DEI at State Department: Merit or Minority?

A report from The Heritage Foundation claims that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices at the State Department have led to potential inefficiencies in hiring and concerns about the quality of employees in the foreign service.

The State Department's pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has come under scrutiny, with a report from The Heritage Foundation alleging potential inefficiencies in hiring and concerns about the quality of employees in the foreign service.

According to the report, the department's focus on ideological criteria rather than objective merit has led to concerns about the competence and effectiveness of its workforce. Simon Hankinson, senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, claims that bureaucrats are manipulating hiring and personnel decisions to ensure equal outcomes regardless of qualifications.

The report focuses specifically on the Foreign Service, which provides personnel to the U.S. diplomatic services. It argues that the service must select its employees through "objective, meritocratic criteria and are accountable to the president." Hankinson claims that the department has abandoned these principles and instead prioritizes diversity metrics.

A State Department spokesperson acknowledged the report, stating that the department welcomes diverse perspectives. However, the spokesperson emphasized that merit-based principles remain a priority.

The report challenges the notion of a lack of racial and gender diversity in the Foreign Service. It cites statistics showing that 35% of the current workforce is classified as "minority," a figure within 10% of national levels.

Hankinson argues that the department's emphasis on intersectionality, dividing employees into various "components," serves to promote race and sex-based preferences. He also criticizes the de-emphasis of the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), which he believes is a valuable indicator of success in the field.

The report suggests that the department has shifted towards a left-leaning bias, influenced by universities where progressive ideologies are prevalent. It claims that this bias has led to resistance against the policies of previous administrations, such as efforts to control illegal immigration.

The report recommends congressional action to address these concerns. It calls for a new Foreign Service Act to reinstate the FSOT as a required entrance exam, limit non-test recruitment channels, and prohibit race-based considerations in promotions.

The State Department has not yet fully responded to the report's findings. However, it has emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion while acknowledging the importance of merit in hiring and promotion.