Education Department Employees Placed on Leave for Diversity Training Attendance

A number of employees at the U.S. Department of Education have been placed on administrative leave due to their prior participation in a diversity training program.

According to Brittany Holder, deputy communications director for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), staff members began receiving notifications of their leave status late Friday. These employees subsequently informed their union representatives about the situation. AFGE, which represents federal workers at the agency, confirmed the reports.

The decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s directive for federal agencies to reassess and eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs. A memo obtained by POLITICO stated that affected employees were placed on leave in accordance with the president’s executive order and further guidance from the Office of Personnel Management.

Although those impacted will continue to receive their full salary and benefits, the leave is not considered a disciplinary measure. However, the union warned that anyone who participated in the department’s “Diversity Change Agent Program”—a voluntary two-day training—could receive similar notices. As many as 100 employees may have taken part in the program.

This initiative was designed to promote an inclusive work environment by training participants, referred to as “Diversity Change Agents,” to lead diversity-related discussions and assist in talent acquisition and retention efforts within the agency.

The Department of Education has not yet issued a public response regarding the matter.