Here’s what happened.
Under the Trump administration, new guidelines may soon prevent the State Department from formally observing Black History Month, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
In line with the administration’s efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government, State Department officials raised questions about whether they could continue issuing public statements commemorating Black History Month or other heritage months. The Trump administration’s stance has been clear: it wants to emphasize merit-based systems in hiring and promotions, moving away from initiatives that promote diversity at the expense of fairness and individual achievement.
State Department officials were instructed that, while acknowledging the “valuable contributions” of individual Americans in history, public communications must reflect the broader goal of eliminating DEI programs. These changes come in response to President Trump’s executive order, which calls for a focus on merit, not on identity-based preferences in federal hiring practices.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, an advocate for meritocracy, stated that maintaining a strict merit-based approach is crucial to the future of the nation. He also encouraged staff to report any programs promoting DEI initiatives to a designated government email.
Despite these new guidelines, the State Department’s official website has traditionally highlighted heritage months, including Black History Month, with messages that emphasize the importance of recognizing Black contributions to American society. The website has long stated that “Black culture is American culture,” underscoring how integral Black history is to understanding the nation’s past and future.
While the Trump administration seeks to shift the focus back to individual accomplishments, its efforts highlight the ongoing debate about how best to recognize and celebrate diversity within American society. Black History Month remains a pivotal time to reflect on the struggles, progress, and achievements of African Americans, a message many feel is critical to the ongoing narrative of America’s strength and unity.