Set-Aside Alert analysis:
Trump orders cancellation of federal anti-racism trainings
Bans mention of ‘white privilege’ or ‘critical race’ theory;
Supporters say training is misconstrued by right wing
President Trump has ordered agency leaders to terminate racial sensitivity training for federal workers because he considers it "un-American" and "propaganda."
"The President has directed me to ensure that federal agencies cease and desist from using taxpayer dollars to fund these divisive, un-American propaganda training sessions," Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought wrote in a memo to agency heads on Sept. 4.
The anti-racism training sessions for federal managers began a number of years ago for managers involved in federal hiring, supervising and contracting, and continued under the Obama presidency. Supporters say they are helpful in increasing understanding and increasing teamwork among diverse members.
The trainings have been effective in helping to raise federal contracting officers’ awareness of their potential for bias when awarding contracts to people of different cultures. M.E. Hart, an attorney who has conducted diversity trainings for the government for over 20 years, told the Washington Post.
"We need (the trainings) more than ever. There’s danger here," Hart told the Washington Post.
Vought wrote in the memo that agency heads should begin identifying contracts to cancel, including those that allude to "critical race theory" or "white privilege," or suggest that the U.S. is "an inherently racist or evil country." The memo did not reference specific contracts allegedly providing such training.
The memo said the order was initiated following "press reports" in which individuals claimed they were told at various federal training sessions that "virtually all White people contribute to racism" or that Whites benefit from racism. The reports were on Fox News and other conservative outlets.
Supporters of the trainings say OMB's memo did not accurately describe the trainings.
Robert Corsi, interim president of the Senior Executives Association representing senior federal managers, said OMB justifications are "inadequate and insincere." Corsi said OMB’s characterizations of the trainings showed deep misunderstanding.
OMB's memo is "tone deaf at best and disgraceful at worst," Chad Hooper, Professional Managers Association president, said in a statement.
More Information:
OMB memo: https://bit.ly/3kowHF9
Professional Managers Association: https://bit.ly/3bSKT61
Washinton Post story: https://wapo.st/3hoQ7HX
Senior Executives Association statement: https://bit.ly/3mfpqsS
