State Department employees were reportedly directed to avoid using terms like “mother, “father” and “manpower” according to a report on the internal memo.
In a memo earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly told staff to use “gender-neutral language whenever possible” as making assumptions about someone’s gender “can be problematic” and send a “harmful, exclusionary message.”
The text of the Feb. 5 memo aimed at “Modeling DEIA: Gender Identity Best Practices,” was obtained by National Review which sarcastically wondered how Blinken found the time to address the “really, really pressing issue” of misgendering amid the current state of the world.
“Some State Department staffers have questioned why Blinken is spending time promoting far-left gender activism at critical junctures in the raging wars in Ukraine and Gaza,” the report noted.
The memo, whose “authenticity” was confirmed by the outlet, reportedly directs State Department employees to refrain from using terms such as “mother/father,” “son/daughter,” and “husband/wife.” Instead, words like, “labor force,” “everyone,” “folks,” “you all,” “parent,” “child,” “spouse” or “partner” should be used by staff.
The purpose of the missive was to “increase understanding of gender identity and provide guidance on gender identity language and best practices that support an inclusive work environment.”
Blinken’s memo reportedly claimed gender is a social construct, and that a person’s gender identity “may or may not correspond with one’s sex assigned at birth,”
In order “to show respect and avoid misunderstandings,” employees should use their preferred pronouns in emails and when they introduce themselves in meetings.
“Commonly used pronouns could include she/her, he/him, they/them, and ze/zir,” the memo said, adding that some may use multiple pronouns. “This is a personal decision that should be respected.”
“When speaking, avoid using phrases like ‘brave men and women on the front lines,’” the cable reportedly continued, adding that employees should “use more specific language such as ‘brave first responders,’ ‘brave soldiers,’ or ‘brave DS agents.’”
Perhaps Blinken should have taken his own advice judging from his Veterans Day post on X when he honored “the brave men and women who served our country.”
This Veterans Day, we stand united in honoring the brave men and women who served our country. For your dedication, service, and the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, thank you. pic.twitter.com/skMxItShUn
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 11, 2023
The memo reportedly directed employees not to “pressure someone to state their pronouns,” and said to handle errors with “subtlety and grace,” adding that gender identity “may be fluid, so remain attuned to and supportive of shifts in pronouns.”
A spokesperson identified as Jennifer told National Review after reached for comment that “the department doesn’t comment on leaked internal documents.”
The reported memo comes as the State Department released its 2023 Equity Action Plan in response to a recent executive order by President Joe Biden for federal agencies to “address barriers to opportunity for underserved communities and to embed equity into all aspects of federal decision-making.”
Embedding equity in our work generates better informed policies to address the barriers that historically marginalized populations face. Our 2023 Equity Action Plan focuses on five key strategies that make our foreign policy stronger and advance inclusivity.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 14, 2024
“With today’s release of the 2023 Equity Action Plan, the Department continues to implement these executive orders with five global strategic focus areas: pursuing diplomatic efforts to combat hate and protect inclusive democracy; advancing racial equity and justice; protecting LGBTQI+ persons; promoting respect for international disability rights; and advancing gender equity and equality,” Blinken said in a press release last week.
“Embedding equity in our work yields better outcomes for the American people,” he added. “We will continue to work to break down barriers faced by marginalized and underserved populations.”
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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