ATF accused of ‘circumventing’ Trump order to place DEI staff on paid leave

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has come under fire for allegedly changing the job title of its former diversity officer in response to President Donald Trump’s order to place all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employees on paid leave. The move has sparked outrage among critics who accuse the ATF of defying the President’s orders and circumventing his directives.

Lisa T. Boykin, who previously served as the chief diversity officer at the ATF, saw her title changed to “senior executive” on the agency’s website this week. This change comes in the wake of Trump’s executive order to terminate all “illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government.” The President has been a vocal critic of DEI programs and offices, both in the federal government and in the education system.

Following Trump’s order, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed agency and department leaders to begin shutting down DEI offices and placing DEI employees on paid administrative leave. The ATF spokesperson stated that the agency has been following OPM’s guidance and has taken proactive steps to ensure compliance with the President’s directives.

Critics of the Biden administration’s diversity initiatives have condemned the ATF’s actions, accusing the agency of going against the President’s orders. Social media commenters have expressed outrage over what they see as an attempt to undermine Trump’s efforts to dismantle DEI programs in the federal government.

It remains to be seen whether Boykin’s new title as a “senior executive” will protect her from administrative leave, as questions have been raised about the implications of the job title change. Boykin herself has not responded to inquiries about the matter, with an automatic email response stating that she is currently unavailable to reply.

The controversy surrounding Boykin’s title change and the ATF’s handling of DEI initiatives highlights the ongoing debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal government. As the Biden administration works to reaffirm its commitment to DEI, critics continue to push back against what they see as divisive and harmful policies. The future of DEI programs in the federal government remains uncertain, as tensions over the issue continue to simmer.