My Partner has been Fired by Fascists

URGENT UPDATE: MAGA has ended my partner's civil service career

My Fellow Democracy Defenders,

Today is a dark day. My partner and I are both career civil servants. Now only one of us has a job.

For decades, my partner served the public in many roles. Their most recent job was focused on expanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts across the federal government. With the stroke of his pen, the fascist racist president has fired them and so many other brilliant public servants.

If you are able to, we would be most grateful for your support during this turbulent time. My career is in jeopardy as well, but I will do everything I can do resist and undermine the orange menace. I am worried that we may have to pull our special needs child from daycare, especially since remote work has also ended.

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Thank you to Allison Gill for covering this important story:

Federal Government Employees Reach Out

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Please remember all the reasons why DEI is good for the USA.

Diversity is our greatest strength. In my decades of public service, I have seen first hand how DEI improves everything about our government. The best part of my job is the cultural enrichment and vibrancy that my colleagues offer. I also learned about how to be an anti-racist ally. That is why we must do everything we can to preserve DEI.

I admire so many of our DEI advocates and leaders. Kamala Harris should have been our next president. Karine Jean-Pierre was our most eloquent Press Secretary, who had to fend off racist attacks from Faux News. But not all is lost. Katanji Brown Jackson will serve honorably on the Supreme Court for decades. Many judges like her will too. President Biden’s legacy is appointing so many diverse public servants!

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Here are 10 reasons why DEI initiatives are good for the US Government and the country:

1. Better representation of the American people: A diverse civil service better represents and serve the needs of our diverse population,leading to more effective and responsive governance.

2. Improved decision-making: DEI brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, leading to more informed and well-rounded decision-making.

3. Increased innovation: A diverse and inclusive workplace fosters a culture of innovation, as individuals from different backgrounds and experiences bring new ideas and approaches to problem-solving. McKinsey and Harvard Business School experts have shown this to be true in studies. DEI is also part of UN ESG and sustainable development goals.

4. Enhanced national security: A diverse government workforce better understands and address the needs of diverse communities, both domestically and internationally, leading to enhanced national security.

5. Better use of taxpayer funds: DEI ensures programs and services are designed and delivered in a way that is fair, equitable, and effective, making better use of taxpayer dollars.

6. Improved employee engagement and retention: DEI initiatives lead to increased employee engagement, retention, and job satisfaction because employees feel valued, respected, and supported in their work.

7. Compliance with Federal laws and regulations: DEI helps the government comply with federal law such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination and require equal employment opportunities.

8. Enhanced reputation and credibility: A government that prioritizes DEI enhances its reputation domestically and internationally as a champion of fairness, equality, and human rights.

9. Better data-driven analysis: DEI initiatives ensure that government data collection and analysis are fair, equitable, and inclusive, leading to better data-driven decision-making and more effective policy development.

10. Alignment with the government's mission and values: Our nation was founded on the values of as fairness, equality, and justice. DEI ensures that government programs and services are designed and delivered in a way that is consistent with these values.

Additionally, the US government has made a commitment to DEI through various laws, regulations, and policies, including:

• Executive Order 13583: requires federal agencies to develop and implement diversity and inclusion strategies

• The Federal Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan: outlines the government's goals and objectives for promoting diversity and inclusion

• The Government-Wide Diversity and Inclusion Initiative: aims to promote diversity and inclusion across the federal government

By prioritizing DEI, the US government has become a more effective, efficient, and equitable institution. Even with Trump in office, public servants like me will make DEI a priority in everything we do!