Jan 31, 2025 Story by: Editor
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Defense Department’s intelligence agency has temporarily halted observances of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and several other cultural and historical events following President Donald Trump’s executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal workplaces.
According to a memo from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), obtained by The Associated Press, the pause impacts 11 annual observances, including Black History Month, which begins Saturday, and National Hispanic Heritage Month.
A U.S. official, who confirmed the authenticity of the memo, stated that the DIA initiated the pause, and it does not appear to be a department-wide policy. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
“We are receiving questions across the workforce on the way forward,” the memo stated. “DIA will pause all activities and events related to Agency Special Emphasis Programs effective immediately and until further notice.”
Additionally, the memo announced a suspension of “special observances” held throughout the year. While Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth were listed, the memo clarified that the changes would not affect those national holidays.
Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein first reported the memo’s details, posting them on X.
Federal agencies have faced challenges in interpreting Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order, which ended DEI programs across the government. Many agencies have taken broad measures due to the lack of detailed guidance from the White House on compliance.
On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructed staff to establish a DEI task force to ensure the Pentagon fully eliminates DEI programs.
“We’re not joking around,” Hegseth told Fox News on Wednesday. “There’s no changing of names or softly manipulating something. DEI is gone.”
Responding to an inquiry from the AP about the memo, the DIA stated late Wednesday that it “is working with the Department of Defense to fully implement all executive orders and administration guidance in a timely manner. As we receive additional guidance, we will continue to update our internal guidance.”
The DIA memo also listed other affected annual observances, including Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National American Indian Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Women’s Equality Day, and Women’s History Month.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Black History Month would no longer be celebrated.
“As far as I know, this White House certainly still intends to celebrate, and we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed, have made to our great country,” she stated.
The changes in observances mirror a similar move by the Air Force, which swiftly removed DEI coursework from basic military training. Initially, this led to the removal of videos on the Tuskegee Airmen and World War II female pilots. However, following public criticism, the Air Force later confirmed that the history of both groups would continue to be taught. Source: AP News
