In reaction to President Donald Trump’s prohibition on diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives in government workplaces, the Defense Department’s intelligence agency has suspended celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and other historical or cultural occasions.
Eleven yearly events are impacted by this, including National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, LGBTQ Pride Month, Juneteenth, Women’s Equality Day, and National American Indian Heritage Month.
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The legitimacy of the document was confirmed by a U.S. official, who stated that the DIA was the one who started the delay and that it doesn’t seem to be Defense Department policy. The official discussed delicate topics while speaking on condition of anonymity.
The memo noted, “We are receiving questions across the workforce on the way forward.” It added, “DIA will pause all activities and events related to Agency Special Emphasis Programs effective immediately and until further notice.”
A halt to “special observances” held all year long was also mentioned. Although Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day were mentioned, the email said that both national holidays would not be impacted by the change.
The memo’s contents were initially posted on X and published by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein. Since the White House has not provided any direction on how to comply, federal agencies have adopted a wide approach in interpreting Trump’s executive order from January 20 that ended DEI programs across the agency.
To guarantee that no DEI programs are left in the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently instructed staff to form a DEI task group.
In an interview with Fox News on January 29, 2025, Hegseth stated, “We’re not joking around.” Hegseth further noted, “There’s no changing of names or softly manipulating something. DEI is gone.”
When inquiring about the memo, the DIA responded, “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.”
Women’s Equality Day, Women’s History Month, National American Indian Heritage Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month are the other yearly events mentioned in the DIA document.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, was asked during a recent briefing if Black History Month will no longer be observed.
Leavitt remarked, “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.”
The modifications to holiday celebrations bear some similarities to the Air Force’s swift removal of DEI classes from its foundational military education, which led to the temporary removal of footage about World War II female pilots and the Tuskegee Airmen from those courses. Following a little commotion, the Air Force announced that both groups’ histories would still be taught.
