Donald Trump’s Executive Order 13950 and the Assault on Anti-Racism and Democracy
Democracy is in trouble, if President Donald Trump is re-elected. His absolute refusal to condemn white supremacy during the September 29, 2020 presidential debate makes clear why he has attacked anti-racism training and banned terms like “critical race theory” and “white privilege.”
If raising awareness among federal workers about racism is “un-American,” “propaganda,” and “a sickness that cannot be allowed to continue,” then supporting white supremacy and promoting racism must be as American as Apple pie.
In the debacle of a debate, which CNN commentator Jake Tapper described as “a hot mess, inside a dumpster fire, inside a train wreck,” POTUS had ample opportunity to support racial justice and equality for all. Debate moderator Chris Wallace asked point blank, “Mr. President, will you denounce white supremacy?”
The simple “yes or no” response never came. Trump resorted to hyperbole and reality TV-show like style, naming a group, “Proud Boys,” known for advocating “white power” and white supremacy ideology; he then gave an ambiguous command: “Stand back and stand by,” which Proud Boys are using as an endorsement, compliments of POTUS.
Trump’s meaning could not be clearer and troubling — and not in a good (e.g., the late John Lewis) way. The inadequate response confirms what some, including former Vice President Joe Biden, already believe — that Trump is a “racist” and a supporter of white supremacist ideology.
Another example some think demonstrates Trump’s racism was his statement in the aftermath of the Charlottesville, Va., tragedy, where an avowed neo-Nazi intentionally drove his car into a crowd of peaceful anti-racist protesters, killing one person and injuring thirty-five. Afterwards, Trump responded with “there are good people on both sides.”
This evidence and Trump’s inadequate debate response suggest it is no coincidence that weeks before the first presidential debate, Russell T. Vought, the President’s mouthpiece, released a memo to the entire federal workforce, informing them of the President’s position on anti-racism training, which he defined as “divisive, anti-American propaganda.” No lack of clarity there. Federal workers were commanded to immediately
“…cease and desist from using taxpayers’ dollars to fund …any training on “critical race theory,” “white privilege,” or any other training propaganda effort that teaches or suggests (1) that the United States is an inherently racist or evil country or (2) that any race or ethnicity is inherently racist or evil.”
So, while protesters, who are mostly Black, but include people of every age, color and persuasion, are in U.S. streets , and around the globe, demanding anti-racism training as well as discussions of white privilege to promote racial justice, the President is on an opposing path. He’s defining these programs as “un-American,” ordering their immediate dismantling, and, in the process, indirectly supporting racism.
Without equivocation, Trump solidified his position with the “Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping” that landed seven days before the presidential debate. The reach is intentionally broad — encompassing contractors and subcontractors who are told that past, present, and future activities will be scrutinized.
“Contractors who are found to have provided a training for agency employees that teaches, advocates, or promotes the divisive concepts specified in the E.O. in violation of the applicable contract will be considered for suspension and debarment procedures…”
For minorities and women who have found this work to be a key pathway into acquiring federal contracts, the consequences may be dire, if past work is considered.
There are 1.9 million federal employees who are impacted; but it is Black, Native, and Latinx government workers, comprising thirty-five percent of the federal workforce, that may feel particularly vulnerable since many often work, directly or indirectly, in areas related to diversity and anti-racism programming.
We should have seen that Donald Trump had appointed himself new Thought Police when he began a media assault on the #BlackLivesMatter movement at the end of August, labeling them as “racist,” “Marxist,” and “bad for Black people” –how white of him to care.
Trump also orchestrated a false narrative that connected BLM to Antifa — which he claims is an actual organization, while others see it as an ideology. Yet, there are no proven connections between Antif and BLM.
Of course, there will be some, mostly white men and women, relieved to see Trump taking such a strong position against those protesting to achieve racial justice; they support him precisely because his actions preserve their white privilege.
Trump’s E.O. is a systematic white wash and potentially a way to reduce the number of minorities and women (and a few sympathetic whites) in the federal workforce and contractors. In America, minorities have always been the canaries who historically alert us to systemic problems of racism.
Though “anti-sexism” is mentioned in the E.O., there is little specific language referencing its demise. But if anti-racism training is eradicated, can the banishment of anti-sexism and anti-homophobia training be far behind?
Should anyone decide to challenge the E.O. in courts, consider that they are stacked with his judicial appointees, and he is working furiously to confirm Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court, who is viewed by some as a “threat to women’s rights.”
Time will tell. In the meantime, America beware. Donald Trump’s attack on anti-racism is also an assault on democracy and the erosion of our common progress towards racial justice.
In fact, just before posting this, I received a link that says academic institutions are backing off of anti-racism and anti-sexism training for fear of losing federal funding. The statement from the University of Iowa’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reads:
“…After consulting with multiple entities, and given the seriousness of the penalties for non-compliance with the order, which include the loss of federal funding, we are recommending that all units temporarily pause for a two-week period to evaluate any trainings, workshops, or programs that may include language or materials that could be deemed in violation of the Executive Order.”
No one and nothing is safe from a man who now wants to rewrite history in favor of unspoken whiteness, suppress Black protests against racism and white privilege, and rob every individual and institution of the most sacred right we have — free speech.
There is only solution to stop this white radical madman — VOTE HIM OUT or America will see another McCarthy era (this time hunting down and accusing anti-racism activists) of unprecedented proportions. This is truly an assault on anti-racism and an assault on democracy. Will either be able to survive?
Tags: #anti-racism # white supremacy # democracy #federal employees #Executive Order #BlackLivesMatter #BLM #diversity #federal contractors #democracy #McCarthyism #Executive Order 13950
©2020 Irma McClaurin
Irma McClaurin, PhD, is a former federal employee, past president of Shaw University, former Ford Foundation Program Officer, activist anthropologist, consultant, and free-lance writer. She was named “Best in the Nation Columnist” by the Black Press of America in 2015. Contact: info@irmamcclaurin.com
