Holy Week Appeal Sparks Internal Concern
As Holy Week unfolds, the U.S. State Department has called on employees to report incidents of anti-Christian bias that may have occurred during the Biden administration. The directive, issued in a cable from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urges staff to identify discriminatory actions tied to religious beliefs, including opposition to vaccines or preferred pronoun policies. The appeal coincides with increased anxiety over looming budget and staffing cuts tied to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) benchmarks.
Task Force to Investigate Allegations
The cable outlines the formation of a task force to review religious discrimination claims from 2021 to 2025. Allegations can be submitted anonymously and may involve denial of religious accommodations, disciplinary action over faith-based objections, or forced removal of religious items. The task force will evaluate claims involving employees and the public, with potential disciplinary consequences for verified offenses.
Leadership Shifts Deepen Staff Unease
The announcement followed the quiet exit of Pete Marocco, a former Trump official who recently completed the dismantling of USAID. The restructuring is expected to consolidate remaining foreign assistance programs within the State Department. Meanwhile, Lew Olowski, newly appointed to lead the Bureau of Global Talent Management, has drawn controversy for religious references in official remarks and past political writings.
Critics Warn of Politicization and Bias
Some diplomats expressed alarm over the directive’s timing and tone. Internal critics view the initiative as politically charged, noting its alignment with Trump-era definitions of discrimination. Olowski’s appointment was criticized by diplomatic organizations for bypassing career norms, which increased tensions. His wife, Heather Olowski, heads the department’s civil rights office and will oversee incoming reports of religious bias.
Supporters Defend Religious Freedom Initiative
Supporters argue the initiative protects religious liberty and offers recourse for faith-based discrimination. They emphasize the importance of accountability for past misconduct and praise the administration’s willingness to investigate alleged bias. Rubio’s cable insists the department welcomes diverse perspectives while ensuring constitutional rights are upheld.
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