Thread by @HouseForeign, Diversifying recruitment at State Dept is very important. BUT retention and promotion [...]

House Foreign Affairs Committee

HouseForeign

Diversifying recruitment at State Dept is very important. BUT retention and promotion are critical, as well— and mid-career officers of color often face institutional barriers to advancement, including holding accountable those involved in discrimination. https://www.state.gov/the-state-department-expands-pickering-and-rangel-graduate-fellowship-programs/

The State Department Expands Pickering and Rangel Graduate Fellowship Programs - United States...

The Department of State is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce that effectively advances America’s prosperity, security, and values. The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs...

https://www.state.gov/the-state-department-expands-pickering-and-rangel-graduate-fellowship-programs/

. @StateOIG found that a political appointee discriminated against a career employee due to, among other things, her perceived national origin.

Mike pompeo’s response?

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brian-hook-trump-iran-discrimination-sahar-nowrouzzadeh-white-house-a9203671.html

Trump appointees discriminated against Iranian-American employee, watchdog finds

State Department's top Iran official retaliated against a long-time staffer because of her Iranian heritage and perceived political bias, following a smear campaign on conservative outlets

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brian-hook-trump-iran-discrimination-sahar-nowrouzzadeh-white-house-a9203671.html

Tianna Spears’ ( @whatsupwtianna) harrowing account of her treatment by Customs & Border Protection is a must read.
@StateDept & other agencies must do better to protect our diplomats from race-based harassment, but must also hold its employees accountable. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/08/30/black-us-diplomat-customs-border-protection-cbp-detained-harassed-325676

I Was a U.S. Diplomat. Customs and Border Protection Only Cared That I Was Black.

Most of my colleagues crossed the U.S. border with barely a glance. Why was I usually detained and harassed?

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/08/30/black-us-diplomat-customs-border-protection-cbp-detained-harassed-325676

So, while recruitment remains important, we will not see a significant change unless the State Department addresses other barriers including accountability for wrongdoing.

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