(Fox News) The State Department implemented a policy to condition eligibility for promotions on an employee’s ability to pass a loyalty test in diversity, equity and inclusion in order to be considered for promotions and higher pay following President Biden’s executive order.
Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, President Obama’s former Malta ambassador, was appointed as chief diversity and inclusion officer in April 2021 for the State Department. She was in the position until June 2023.
According to Abercrombie-Winstanley, State created a policy under Biden that conditions promotions on whether employees are able to demonstrate through documentation that they are actively involved in DEI practices.
“We made the change that if you wanted to be considered for promotion at the Department of State, you must be able to document what you are doing to support diversity, equity and inclusion and accessibility. This is how you are judged for promotion,” she said at a City Club Forum event in April 2023. “So that means my allies who are not female or minority are also interested in being able to show ‘I’m doing good work on this.'”
Gina Abercrombie-Winstanleys term ended on June 30, 2023. (Fox News Digital)
When reached for comment, Abercrombie-Winstanley told Fox News Digital, “America needs her best. The Department wants leaders who can develop top talent among all Americans, whatever our background. Not just those who share our life experiences.”
The subject of her speaking engagement at the City Club Forum event was the Biden administration’s “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026.”
In an announcement about the plan, State said it was working on “Establishing the advancement of [DEI] as an element for all employees as part of their job performance criteria, career advancement opportunities, and senior performance pay.”
All levels of the State Department – Washington and abroad – were affected by the mandate, according to the plan.
