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/">https://www.state.gov/the-state...

. @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://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤐" title="„Schweigen ist Gold“-Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: „Schweigen ist Gold“-Gesicht"> https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/brian-hook-trump-iran-discrimination-sahar-nowrouzzadeh-white-house-a9203671.html">https://www.independent.co.uk/news/worl...

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">https://www.politico.com/news/maga...

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