by Casey Harper
A coalition of lawmakers is pushing forward an ongoing investigation into how much taxpayer money Pentagon officials are taking from national defense and allocating to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The Pentagon is under increasing scrutiny for its focus on DEI, even as wars continue between Ukraine and Russia and Israel and Hamas.
Lawmakers sent a letter to Defense General Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion Chairman (ret.) Lester Lyles, expressing concerns that the focus on DEI is a distraction and harms recruiting.
“The Department of Defense’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion over mission effectiveness and capacity is about national security and the protection of our nation,” the letter said.
The letter precedes the committee’s expected report on its work for the Department of Defense.
In recent years, military branches have struggled to meet recruiting goals. A Department of Defense official recently reported that all branches combined fell miniature of recruiting goals by more than 40,000 for fiscal year 2023. But this shortfall occurred even after significant reductions in recruiting goals.
“Stand Together Against Racism and Radicalism in the Services (STARRS), an educational organization for retired military personnel, collected a survey of over a thousand unsolicited comments from military service members, veterans and their families,” the letter reads. “Their findings showed that many did not feel comfortable recommending military service due to DEI policies implemented across the Department of Defense.”
Just like Central Square before reportedThe Pentagon has launched a number of equality initiatives, from training on white privilege to guidelines on gender pronouns. The Department of Defense recently requested over $100 million for DEI initiatives alone, prompting a backlash.
House Oversight Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Border and Foreign Affairs Chairman Glenn Grothman, R-Wisc. and House Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Jim Banks, R-Ind., led other Republicans on the letter.
Lawmakers want a full and detailed explanation of DEI efforts at the Pentagon.
“The Subcommittee remains concerned that, under the guise of DEI, promotions are being rewarded based on gender, ethnicity, and race at the expense of merit,” the letter said.
Lawmakers made clear calls for transparency in the upcoming report.
“The American people have the right to expect that their sons and daughters in uniform will be led, trained and equipped by the best,” the letter said. “The Subcommittee understands that the STARRS report was provided to DACODAI, but it is unclear to what extent DACODAI will incorporate this information in its final report.”
– – –
Casey Harper is a DC Bureau reporter Central Square.
“Rep Glenn Grothman” photo by Congressman Glenn Grothman. Photo “Rep. Jim Banks” by Jim Banks.
