Civil Servants Protect America’s Promise: We Shouldn’t Tolerate The Attack On Them

Source: Kent Nishimura / Getty

Regardless of who you are and where you live, the ruthless attack on federal civil servants is already impacting you. Whether it’s delays in disaster relief caused by workforce reductions, disruptions to public health programs from funding cuts, or setbacks in community infrastructure due to rescinded federal policies, the consequences of recent executive actions are already rippling through our daily lives.

Federal civil servants are the behind-the-scenes architects of our democracy. Collectively, they manage over $4 trillion in federal budgets annually and spearhead responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. They ensure laws are implemented and communities are supported. Their commitment to public service anchors our nation’s social compact. They are the reason we can rest well, knowing our basic needs will be met.

The federal civil service is built on an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the public. Initiatives that advance racial equity and address income inequality are central to this mission. While equity benefits people from diverse identities, race and income remain foundational parameters for achieving justice in governance. Civil servants also help federal agencies identify and correct problem areas, particularly in serving communities that have historically been marginalized.

Today, this essential workforce faces an unprecedented threat: a slate of executive orders that compromise their work and well-being. These executive orders also dismantle racial equity initiatives and undermine both public trust and the values that underpin our democracy.

These orders, signed on the first day of the current administration, revoke Executive Order 14035 and mandate the closure of all DEI offices, cancellation of related contracts, and withdrawal of equity plans, representing a direct attack on the federal workforce. These initiatives are not just moral imperatives; they make government more effective by addressing the needs of all Americans, not just a privileged few.

Eliminating these programs does not reduce disparities; it entrenches them, particularly for communities of color and low-income households, while also harming other marginalized groups who benefit from equity-focused initiatives. This policy shift will force people of color, persons living in poverty, persons with disabilities, and persons identifying as LGBTQIA+ to bear the brunt of inequity.

Consider the scope of the federal workforce: over two million employees, representing one of the most diverse labor forces in the nation. This diversity enables agencies to better understand and respond to the complex needs of a population of 340 million. Decrees that undermine racial equity efforts weaken the very fabric of our public institutions.

The recent memorandum from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) underscores the immediacy of this threat, stating that “agencies should take prompt actions regarding the offices and agency sub-units focusing exclusively on DEIA initiatives and programs,” including their closure and the withdrawal of equity plans. Such actions reveal an aggressive attempt to erase progress in fostering inclusivity within federal governance. This is not just a rollback; it is a deliberate dismantling of principles that make government accountable and representative.

Source: Kent Nishimura / Getty

Racial equity programs produce tangible benefits, addressing disparities rooted in race and income while fostering inclusivity for individuals across all identities. Agencies with strong equity initiatives make better decisions, foster innovation, and improve public satisfaction. These programs create pathways for underrepresented groups to access leadership roles, ensuring that the federal government reflects the people it serves. Without them, the pipeline of diverse talent shrinks, and public trust erodes.

Public institutions have a duty to model equity and inclusion. Abandoning these values sends a harmful message: that fairness is optional and the challenges faced by marginalized communities can be ignored. This not only fails to address existing disparities but shifts the burden of responsibility to future generations, deepening divisions over time.

Federal workers deserve our support. They should not be vilified or sidelined for fulfilling their duties with integrity and dedication. Civil servants are often the best problem-solvers in government, navigating complex issues with skill and commitment. Their work is essential to administering democracy and advancing equity.

The promise of America evolves as we strive to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic population. Federal workers play a critical role in this evolution by supporting equity initiatives that ensure government policies are inclusive and equitable. These efforts are not about partisan politics; they are about good governance.

The attack on equity is not an isolated policy shift; it is part of a larger trend that seeks to roll back progress in the name of efficiency or ideology. But equity is not a burden. It is a cornerstone of democracy. When public institutions retreat from their commitment to equal opportunity, they compromise the very principles they are meant to uphold.

As citizens, we should advocate for policies that strengthen our public institutions. Supporting federal workers and recognizing the value of equity initiatives is essential. These programs are about leveling the playing field and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to thrive.

The federal workforce is a testament to the power of public service. These individuals work tirelessly to make America live up to its promise of equity and opportunity for all. The future of our democracy depends on the sustainability of equity in federal civil service.

Carlton Eley is the Senior Director for Federal Strategies for Race Forward. Sloane Kali Faye is the Outreach and Marketing Director of Federal Strategies for Race Forward.

SEE ALSO:

How Trump Officially Ending DEI On Paper Could Be A Blessing In Disguise

Explaining DEI: Trump’s Crackdown And How It Rolls Back Progress