Biden agency seeks input from left-wing groups to enhance DEI in Ethiopia.
The Biden Administration Seeks to Boost Diversity and Inclusion in Ethiopia
The Biden administration is actively seeking ways to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility practices in Ethiopia, a landlocked African country. This initiative aligns with President Joe Biden’s commitment to championing DEI since taking office. In an executive order signed on his first day, President Biden directed agencies to conduct equity assessments to address the alleged effects of systemic racism.
The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Mission in Ethiopia is now reaching out to nonprofit groups, public schools, think tanks, and other stakeholders to gather insights on advancing DEI within its existing activities and structures. This collaborative approach aims to identify additional ways to promote diversity and inclusion in Ethiopia.
USAID’s Focus on DEI Initiatives
The request for information documents highlight USAID’s commitment to DEI initiatives. The agency, responsible for foreign aid and operating with a budget of $49.59 billion in 2023, announced the launch of a DEI office in March 2022. This office reports to Samantha Power, the administrator of USAID and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Barack Obama.
USAID’s Ethiopia Mission, based in Addis Ababa, addresses various critical issues such as nutrition, economic growth and trade, HIV and AIDS prevention, and education. The agency also focuses on combating climate change and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. In 2022, the U.S. provided $1.8 billion in humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, making it the country’s primary financial supporter.
The RFI documents reveal that USAID is reviewing its activities to identify areas where diversity practices can be improved within the Ethiopia office. The agency aims to proactively address internal systems that may hinder inclusive diversity efforts and access for its employees. It also seeks to enhance training and capacity building opportunities for all staff, including managers and supervisors, on diversity fundamentals, bias, and principles of inclusion.
USAID’s Commitment to Human Rights
A spokesperson for USAID emphasized the agency’s dedication to upholding human rights principles globally. USAID advocates for the protection of vulnerable populations, including refugees, conflict victims, internally displaced persons, marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, women, and older persons.
As part of the information gathering process, USAID is specifically interested in understanding whether it has effectively engaged with marginalized groups, including LGBTQI+ populations and children facing adversity. The agency also seeks advice on improving the recruitment, hiring, and retention of a diverse workforce. Additionally, USAID wants to hear from individuals with expertise in inclusive development, an approach that recognizes the transformative power of diverse identities and experiences within societies.
Interested parties have until August 24 to respond to the RFI, which was signed by Adrienne Shade, a USAID Ethiopia contracting and agreement officer.
Concerns and Criticisms
While the DEI consulting initiative is underway, some congressional Republicans have raised concerns about what they perceive as “woke” spending habits by USAID. They argue that these habits undermine the agency’s functionality. Sen. Bill Hagerty questioned USAID’s allocation of taxpayer funds towards climate change efforts instead of prioritizing poverty alleviation.
Michael Chamberlain, director of the ethics watchdog group Protect the Public’s Trust, cautioned against potential pitfalls associated with diversity and equity initiatives. He emphasized the importance of avoiding discriminatory practices based on race or other immutable characteristics, as reiterated by recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on college admissions.
USAID must address these concerns and ensure transparency in its programs to maintain public trust and prevent any encroachment into prohibited areas.
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