The State Department, now led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has eliminated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements from its hiring and promotion framework for Foreign Service Officers, replacing them with a new emphasis on “fidelity.”
According to internal documents reviewed by Fox News Digital, the department’s updated guidance for 2025–2028 removes DEI as a core factor in evaluating candidates and instead prioritizes loyalty to the U.S. government and its policies.
A senior State Department official called the change “commonsense,” noting that officers representing the United States abroad should be assessed on their commitment to faithfully executing American foreign policy.
“It’s unbelievable this wasn’t already in place,” the official said. “This is about ensuring that Foreign Service Officers can be trusted to represent U.S. interests overseas with loyalty and professionalism.”
Shift in Evaluation Criteria
Under the previous Biden-era policy in place from 2022 to 2025, Foreign Service employees were expected to demonstrate efforts to promote inclusivity, address non-inclusive behavior, and cultivate diverse teams. Entry-level officers were instructed to improve self-awareness regarding diversity issues, while managers were expected to consult with affected staff before making key decisions.
Those requirements have now been replaced. The department’s new five core precepts are:
- Fidelity
- Communication
- Leadership
- Management
- Knowledge
According to the new policy, mid- and senior-level officers must now show loyalty by “zealously executing U.S. government policy” and “resolving uncertainty on the side of fidelity to one’s chain of command.”
Broader Government Shift Away From DEI
The policy change aligns with a broader federal initiative led by the Trump administration to remove DEI-related mandates from federal agencies. The administration has emphasized a “merit-based” system of hiring and performance evaluation, arguing that DEI programs have become overly bureaucratic and politicized.
Earlier this year, the State Department also froze the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), which is typically offered three times annually. The department has submitted a proposal to Congress outlining a 15% reduction in its workforce and a consolidation of over 300 bureaus and offices.
While a court order has temporarily halted mass layoffs across federal agencies, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has limited the ability of lower courts to issue sweeping injunctions, potentially clearing the way for broader restructuring in the coming months.
The policy updates mark a significant shift in how U.S. diplomats are selected, trained, and promoted — and are likely to remain a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the role of DEI in public service.
