The State Department recently appointed a new chief diversity and inclusion officer, Zakiya Carr Johnson, to lead the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This move comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a memo urging staffers to avoid gendered language such as “mother” and “manpower.” Johnson’s role will focus on fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the department, with the goal of creating a workforce that reflects America. Blinken emphasized that recruiting and promoting a diverse workforce is essential for national security.
The position of chief diversity and inclusion officer was established by Blinken in 2021, with the aim of enhancing diversity and inclusion initiatives at the State Department. Johnson, who previously worked at the State Department and has experience promoting access to opportunity for underrepresented populations, was praised by Blinken for her commitment to inclusive leadership. The State Department sees diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as crucial to maintaining an inclusive workplace environment that attracts and retains top talent.
In February 2021, Blinken issued a memo to State Department employees outlining guidelines for using gender-specific language in order to support an inclusive work environment. The memo encouraged staff to avoid phrases like “brave men and women” and use more specific language, such as “brave first responders” or “brave soldiers.” The memo was met with both support and criticism, with the State Department defending it as a way to promote respect and inclusivity in the workplace.
The guidance provided in Blinken’s memo aimed to promote understanding of gender identity and provide best practices for language use to create a more inclusive environment. State Department employees were encouraged to use gender-neutral language whenever possible, avoid gendered phrases, and respect individual gender identities by using preferred pronouns. The memo also advised against making assumptions about someone’s gender based on appearance or name.
The memorandum from Blinken comes amidst ongoing conflicts worldwide, including the Ukraine-Russia war, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and recent U.S. strikes against Iranian-backed militants. As part of the Biden administration’s efforts to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, various government agencies have published guidance on inclusive language and gender-neutral communication practices. These initiatives aim to promote respect, inclusivity, and understanding in the workplace.
The appointment of Zakiya Carr Johnson as the State Department’s chief diversity and inclusion officer reflects the department’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. By creating a more inclusive workplace environment, the State Department aims to attract and retain diverse talent and strengthen national security efforts. The ongoing focus on DEI programs, advocated for by Secretary Blinken, underscores the importance of promoting respect, understanding, and inclusivity in all aspects of government operations.
