The State Department recently appointed a new chief diversity and inclusion officer, Zakiya Carr Johnson, to lead the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The move was announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an effort to advance the department’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Johnson will be tasked with building a workforce that reflects America and replacing Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley in this position. Blinken emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating that recruiting, nurturing, and promoting a diverse workforce is critical to national security.
The decision to appoint Johnson comes after the State Department has made significant progress in diversity and inclusion efforts over the past three years but recognizes that there is still work to be done. Blinken praised Johnson’s previous work promoting entrepreneurship and access to opportunity for underrepresented populations, as well as her commitment to inclusive leadership. He stressed the importance of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace to attract and retain the nation’s top talent, emphasizing that national security is strengthened when decision-makers reflect the full diversity of the nation.
The position of chief diversity and inclusion officer was created in 2021 by Secretary Blinken, who is committed to taking the department’s diversity and inclusion work to the next level. The individual in this role is responsible for holding senior leadership accountable for implementing new diversity and inclusion programs and reports directly to Blinken. The effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion has been a priority for the administration since President Biden took office in January 2021, and the State Department’s memo on gender-specific language is part of these ongoing efforts.
Earlier this year, Secretary Blinken issued a memo to State Department employees urging them to avoid using gendered language and promote gender inclusivity. The memo, titled “Modeling DEIA: Gender Identity Best Practices,” aimed to increase understanding of gender identity and provide guidance on using inclusive language in the workplace. State Department employees were encouraged to use more specific language to avoid gendered phrases and words, such as “brave men and women,” and instead use gender-neutral terms like “brave first responders” or “brave soldiers.”
The guidance on gender-inclusive language was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a positive step towards creating a more inclusive work environment, while others criticized it as unnecessary or overly restrictive. Despite the backlash, the State Department defended Blinken’s memo, stating that it is a standard government practice to encourage respect for others and use terms that individuals are comfortable with. The memo emphasized the importance of using gender-neutral language whenever possible to show respect, avoid misunderstandings, and promote inclusivity in the workplace.
The State Department’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is part of broader efforts to create a more inclusive workplace and promote diversity in leadership roles. As the department works to advance these initiatives, the appointment of Zakiya Carr Johnson as chief diversity and inclusion officer underscores the importance of building a workforce that reflects the diversity of America and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at strengthening national security and ensuring that the State Department remains a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in government.
