The Secret Service's emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is now facing intense scrutiny.
The agency's DEI priorities are being blamed for a significant security lapse that led to an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a recent rally, prompting demands for the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle, as Fox News reports.
Amid the ongoing promotion of DEI principles as part of its core mission, the Secret Service has attracted criticism after the recent security breach during a rally for former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Critics argue that the prioritization of DEI under Cheatle has compromised the agency's critical protection duties. The incident has fueled calls for her resignation.
Cheatle, appointed by President Biden in 2022 as the second woman to lead the Secret Service, has been an outspoken advocate for DEI within the agency. Under her leadership, the Secret Service has promoted DEI as a mission imperative.
Loucious Hires III, executive director of the Secret Service office of equity, detailed the agency's DEI initiatives during a February 2023 government podcast, Standing Post. He emphasized that the goal is for every employee to be actively engaged in DEI daily.
The agency's recruiting brochures and seminars, including events on respectful pronoun usage, speak to its commitment to DEI. The Secret Service's formation of the Inclusion Engagement Council (IEC) underscores this commitment, aiming to foster what it says is a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Efforts to recruit diverse candidates have included participation in Pride events, enhancing visibility and outreach. This has resulted in an increase in transgender recruits among law enforcement candidates, as highlighted by Andrew "Drew" Cannady.
"We're seeing more openly trans recruits out of the training center," noted Cannady, further articulating the agency's commitment to DEI during Unity Day events and other similar programming.
These efforts align with Cheatle’s strategic vision for the agency. Her focus has remained on achieving excellence through talent, technology, and diversity, aiming for women to constitute 30% of the workforce, thus, she says, improving cross-cultural awareness and mutual respect.
The recent incident in which former President Trump was shot has fueled a public debate regarding the agency's priorities. Critics are questioning whether the concentration on DEI has diluted the focus on critical security functions.
Despite the heavy criticism and mounting demands for her resignation, Cheatle remains steadfast in her position. She maintains her belief that DEI does not detract from the agency's core mission of protection and investigations.
Cheatle has defended her strategic approach, emphasizing that hiring a diverse workforce enhances the agency's capabilities. Nevertheless, the recent breach has intensified scrutiny on the efficacy of her policies.
The calls for her resignation have been fervent, showcasing a division within public opinion regarding the balance between DEI values and operational effectiveness within security agencies. Thus, the debate over the Secret Service's future direction is likely to continue.
