Ioana Dorhoi, PhD – Government Relations and Public Affairs

In a sweeping move to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, federal employees across multiple agencies were instructed to remove pronouns from their email signatures by the end of the day, following executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office.

Mandate Sparks Controversy

Internal memos obtained by ABC News revealed that agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Department of Energy (DOE) issued directives to their employees, enforcing compliance with new executive orders aimed at curbing DEI-related practices in federal operations.

“Pronouns and any other information not permitted in the policy must be removed from CDC/ATSDR employee signatures by 5 p.m. ET on Friday,” stated a directive from Jason Bonander, the CDC’s Chief Information Officer. A similar order was disseminated to DOT employees on Thursday, the same day the department was handling the aftermath of a plane crash near Washington, D.C.

These changes align with Trump’s executive order emphasizing the removal of DEI-related “language in federal discourse, communications, and publications.” Agencies were also directed to disable features in email systems that prompt employees for their pronouns.

Employee Pushback and Concerns

The mandate has been met with resistance and concern among federal employees, particularly those who have long worked under policies that promote inclusivity and representation.

“In my decade-plus years at CDC, I’ve never been told what I can and can’t put in my email signature,” said one anonymous civil servant, fearing potential retribution for speaking out.

For many, this order represents a broader shift away from federal efforts to foster inclusivity, especially in workplaces where employees have used pronouns to promote a respectful and inclusive environment. Natasha Hewlett, a senior DEI program manager, expressed deep concern over the implications of these executive orders.

“It hurts my heart,” Hewlett said. “This administration is actively dismantling years of work that has created a more inclusive and understanding workplace.”

A Broader Effort to Dismantle DEI Programs

The removal of pronouns from email signatures is just one part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to undo DEI policies across the federal government. On his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders calling for an end to what he termed “radical and wasteful DEI programs” while emphasizing the restoration of “biological truth to the federal government.”

These orders have led to significant changes within multiple agencies, affecting not only email communications but also federal grant applications, training programs, and internal policies that previously aimed to promote diversity and inclusivity in government workplaces.

Uncertain Future for DEI in Federal Agencies

While the immediate effect of these executive orders is clear, the long-term impact remains uncertain. Many civil rights organizations and advocacy groups are expected to challenge these policies, arguing that they undermine efforts to create a diverse and equitable workforce.

As federal employees scramble to comply with the new directives, many are left questioning what other longstanding inclusivity measures might be on the chopping block under the new administration.

For now, the removal of pronouns in email signatures serves as a symbolic yet significant step in what appears to be a widespread rollback of DEI initiatives in the federal government.