France Reacts Strongly to US Pressure on Diversity Initiatives
French officials express dismay over US embassy's demand for local companies to abandon DEI programs.
France's Foreign Trade Minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, expressed 'deep shock' on Monday regarding requests from the US Embassy in Paris for several French companies to discontinue their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
This demand correlates with a broader political context stemming from policies of former President Donald Trump.
Saint-Martin stated, 'We are going to have a discussion with the United States embassy in France about this because we need to understand what the real intention behind this letter is.' These remarks follow reports from the French Economy Ministry indicating that 'a few dozen' French firms engaged with the US have received letters requesting them to certify that they 'do not practice programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.'
DEI programs are designed to provide opportunities for marginalized groups, including people of color, women, and individuals with disabilities.
However, they have faced opposition from Trump and his supporters, who argue that such initiatives are discriminatory and conflict with merit-based evaluations.
Conversely, many experts contend that DEI programs are necessary to address historical inequalities that have hindered certain groups from reaching their full potential.
Saint-Martin emphasized that the US demands seemed to undermine the inclusion policies enshrined in French and European law, particularly laws promoting gender equality and combating discrimination.
He commented, 'All of this is progress that corresponds first and foremost to our French values,' asserting that France is steadfast in its commitment to these principles.
'We can't just cancel the application of our own laws overnight,' he stated, describing the US request as a manifestation of American 'extra-territoriality' regarding values.
Additionally, Patrick Martin, the head of the French employers' federation Medef, expressed in a statement on Sunday that abandoning inclusion measures in French companies is 'out of the question.'
The letters reportedly reference an executive order signed by Trump in January, which mandates the termination of DEI programs within the federal government.
This order has implications for all suppliers and service providers to the US government, regardless of their origin.
A compliance form included in the letters required recipients to endorse this directive.
Trump's executive order established a deadline of January 23 for the cessation of DEI programs, with affected personnel placed on administrative leave pending potential dismissal.
This move has sparked ongoing litigation regarding the legality and implications of the order.
In recent months, numerous references to women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community have been omitted from federal government websites and materials.
Organizations with established DEI programs, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities, are currently facing heightened scrutiny.
This demand correlates with a broader political context stemming from policies of former President Donald Trump.
Saint-Martin stated, 'We are going to have a discussion with the United States embassy in France about this because we need to understand what the real intention behind this letter is.' These remarks follow reports from the French Economy Ministry indicating that 'a few dozen' French firms engaged with the US have received letters requesting them to certify that they 'do not practice programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.'
DEI programs are designed to provide opportunities for marginalized groups, including people of color, women, and individuals with disabilities.
However, they have faced opposition from Trump and his supporters, who argue that such initiatives are discriminatory and conflict with merit-based evaluations.
Conversely, many experts contend that DEI programs are necessary to address historical inequalities that have hindered certain groups from reaching their full potential.
Saint-Martin emphasized that the US demands seemed to undermine the inclusion policies enshrined in French and European law, particularly laws promoting gender equality and combating discrimination.
He commented, 'All of this is progress that corresponds first and foremost to our French values,' asserting that France is steadfast in its commitment to these principles.
'We can't just cancel the application of our own laws overnight,' he stated, describing the US request as a manifestation of American 'extra-territoriality' regarding values.
Additionally, Patrick Martin, the head of the French employers' federation Medef, expressed in a statement on Sunday that abandoning inclusion measures in French companies is 'out of the question.'
The letters reportedly reference an executive order signed by Trump in January, which mandates the termination of DEI programs within the federal government.
This order has implications for all suppliers and service providers to the US government, regardless of their origin.
A compliance form included in the letters required recipients to endorse this directive.
Trump's executive order established a deadline of January 23 for the cessation of DEI programs, with affected personnel placed on administrative leave pending potential dismissal.
This move has sparked ongoing litigation regarding the legality and implications of the order.
In recent months, numerous references to women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community have been omitted from federal government websites and materials.
Organizations with established DEI programs, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities, are currently facing heightened scrutiny.
