OPM directive bans diversity hiring across federal agencies

The Office of Personnel Management issued a governmentwide directive ordering all 438 federal agencies to immediately cease diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring practices and disband DEI offices. Employees in DEI-designated roles were placed on administrative leave pending reassignment or termination. The directive implemented Executive Order 14173, signed January 20, 2025, which revoked prior executive orders establishing federal DEI programs dating to the 1960s.