U.S. Labor Department Urges Employees To Report DEI Policy Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has directed its employees to report any activities that may violate the Trump administration’s restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. According to an internal email reviewed by media reports, DEI-related discrimination may include employment decisions influenced by factors such as race, sex, national origin or religion, as well as the use of demographic hiring targets, promotion quotas and certain workplace training programs.

Employees have been encouraged to report suspected violations to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal agency that investigates misconduct and provides whistleblower protections against retaliation. The email stated that workers who report concerns in good faith would remain protected, even if the allegations are ultimately not substantiated.

The guidance reflects the administration’s broader efforts to limit DEI programs across federal agencies following a 2025 executive order. Employees can also raise concerns through the department’s Civil Rights Center, which oversees equal employment opportunity matters.