Department of Labor Email Calls for Reporting of DEI Activities

On Friday, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) sent an internal memorandum titled “Reporting DEI-Related Discrimination, Retaliation and Related Whistleblower Disclosures.” The notice directs all DOL employees to report any workplace action it labels as “DEI-related discrimination” to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) or the agency’s Civil Rights Center.

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The memo follows the Trump administration’s ban on DEI programs, reinforced by a 2025 executive order. The EEOC has shifted enforcement toward DEI, and the DOJ warned that failure to report such programs could bring adverse consequences.

Labor Department Tells Workers to Report Any DEI Activities

Reports go to the independent Office of Special Counsel, which can investigate misconduct and seek remedies such as back pay and discipline. Employees may also file with the DOL’s Civil Rights Center, which requires a complaint within 45 days of the incident.

Labor Department Tells Workers to Report Any DEI Activities

The memo defines DEI-related discrimination as any employment action—hiring, promotion, training, mentoring, assignments, awards, or networking—motivated wholly or partially by race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or other protected traits. It warns that retaliation will trigger disciplinary action up to removal and assures that good-faith reporters are protected even if the claim is later unsubstantiated.

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Anonymous DOL staff told Wired the memo feels like “a reminder to narc on your coworkers for doing DEI.” One employee called it “pure witch-hunt territory – very dangerous and could be easily abused,” fearing past DEI activities in performance standards could become punishable offenses.

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• “DEI-related discrimination occurs when any employment action (hiring, promotion, training access, mentoring, assignments, awards, etc.) is motivated in whole or in part by an employee’s or applicant’s race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or other protected characteristics.” — Department of Labor email

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• “Any retaliation will result in prompt disciplinary action, up to and including removal.” — Department of Labor email

Labor Department Tells Workers to Report Any DEI Activities

• “It’s pure witch-hunt territory – very dangerous and could be easily abused.” — Anonymous DOL employee (to Wired)

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• “The email felt like a ‘reminder to narc on your coworkers for doing DEI.’” — Anonymous DOL employee (to Wired)

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The memo cites a 2025 executive order, yet it was issued before that order could take effect, creating a chronological inconsistency. It lacks a named author, and a DOL spokesperson did not respond to comment requests, leaving the agency’s stance unclear. The EEOC’s specific guidance mentioned in the background is not detailed.

Labor Department Tells Workers to Report Any DEI Activities

Employees may file reports with the OSC or the Civil Rights Center within the three-year and 45-day windows. The OSC can investigate alleged violations and seek remedies; the DOL may pursue internal disciplinary action for retaliation.

Labor Department Tells Workers to Report Any DEI Activities