In a recent development, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) has accused the United States Air Force of persistently advancing the Biden administration's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda, allegedly in direct contravention of federal legislation.
As reported by American Military News, Banks, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel, addressed these concerns in a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower & Reserve Affairs, Alex Wagner. He alleged that the Air Force had cunningly disguised the execution of its DEI agenda to circumvent stipulations in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This act prohibits the Defense Department from creating new DEI roles or filling any existing vacancies. "Rather than following the law, it appears that the Air Force has simply rebranded DEI," Banks wrote.
This correspondence comes at a time when the U.S. military is grappling with the 2024 NDAA's prohibition against new DEI initiatives. The current year's NDAA incorporated provisions designed to halt President Joe Biden's Defense Department from executing its DEI agenda. The DEI ban was enacted in response to the Biden administration's efforts to establish DEI offices and endorse DEI and critical race theory policies within the federal government. It's worth noting that Biden's Department of Defense has prioritized DEI initiatives, even proposing a $270 million budget for DEI programs over the fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Banks' letter also highlighted a military training program called "Supporting Systemic Equality." This program, facilitated by consulting firm Team Triad, was conducted at Ramstein Air Base and other military installations. The training aimed to underscore the advantages of diversity and equality, empower Air Force members to appreciate the significance of empowerment and equity, and comprehend the role of an ally.
However, Banks cautioned that this training appears to be an attempt by the Air Force to sidestep the explicit intent of the law. He stated, "Prohibited from hiring new DEI positions or filling vacant ones, the Air Force has simply contracted out its DEI training."
Banks further warned American bureaucrats who prioritize the Biden administration's "woke agenda" over federal law that they are "in for a rude awakening." He asserted that Biden's Department of Defense officials need to understand that they won't always have a left-wing radical Commander in Chief. Banks concluded by stating, "Congress has prohibited the military from hiring new DEI officials and Republicans will keep using our oversight authority to enforce the laws on the books."
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