Contact 202-935-3742 press@ourpublicservice.org Partnership for Public Service statement on President Donald Trump’s new executive order on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the federal government January 21, 2025 WASHINGTON –The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from Senior Vice President of Programs Michelle Amante in response to a new executive order prohibiting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility work and training across the federal government: “No matter what you call it, the evidence is clear that drawing on people with different backgrounds and creating work environments where all people feel like they are being fairly treated, and their skills are valued, creates a higher-performing organization. The public deserves the best out of our government and these efforts help reach this goal. “It is also supremely unfair and wrong to penalize career civil servants for following the lawful direction of their politically appointed superiors. A new administration is entitled to choose different policy priorities, and it will harm itself and the public by seeking retribution against apolitical civil servants who carried out a different agenda set by a prior political team. “The Partnership for Public Service remains committed to working with federal leaders and agencies to create an environment where their employees feel respected and included. This executive order undermines this objective, and it is unfortunate it was issued on a day commemorating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., who sought a more inclusive America and viewed diversity as fundamental to the strength of our country. Making our federal workforce more diverse, equitable and inclusive is essential to a better government and, ultimately, a stronger democracy.” During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees. Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more. ###