U.S. State Department Wants to Compel ‘Equity’ in Foreign Policy: Take Action Today

Public Comment Open Until March 19 on New Rules for Contractors and Award Recipients

Per the just released 2023 Equity Plan the U.S. Department of State will focus on the following strategies to advance equity globally:

1. Pursue Diplomatic Efforts to Combat Hate and Protect Inclusive Democracy
2. Advance Racial Equity and Justice Globally
3. Protect LGBTQI+ Persons Globally
4. Promote Respect for International Disability Rights
5. Advance Gender Equity and Equality Globally

On January 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of State issued two notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs) that would establish nondiscrimination requirements in foreign assistance. The first for award recipients and subrecipients (Nondiscrimination in Foreign Assistance, RIN 1400-AF66), and the second for contractors and subcontractors (Department of State Acquisition Regulation: Nondiscrimination in Foreign Assistance, RIN 1400-AF65). The Department is accepting written public comments on its proposals until March 19.

To submit your comment please visit both options:

1. Nondiscrimination in Foreign Assistance
   https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/19/2024-01059/nondiscrimination-in-foreign-assistance#open-comment
2. Department of State Acquisition Regulation: Nondiscrimination in Foreign Assistance
   https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/19/2024-00972/department-of-state-acquisition-regulation-nondiscrimination-in-foreign-assistance#open-comment

For more information see the following:

• The Biden Administration Is Exporting Wokeness, By Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, National Review, February 28, 2024 | https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/02/the-biden-administration-is-exporting-wokeness/
• State Department’s Proposed Foreign Assistance Nondiscrimination Requirements Raise Concerns, The Federalist Society, February 22, 2024 | https://fedsoc.org/commentary/fedsoc-blog/state-department-s-proposed-foreign-assistance-nondiscrimination-requirements-raise-concerns
• Senators’ Letter to Secretary Antony Blinken, February 7, 2024, Marco Rubio and other Senators Warn: The nondiscrimination rule would violate the rights and beliefs of faith-based partner organizations and their beneficiaries, undermine relationships with key stakeholders, and threaten U.S. security interests. | https://www.rubio.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02.07.24-SMR-et-al-letter-to-SECSTATE-re-Nondiscrimination-in-Foreign-Assistance.pdf
• U.S. Department of State Equity Plan 2023 | https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2023-State-Equity-Action-Plan.pdf
• Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, Executive Order 13985 of January 20, 2021 | https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government
• Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, Executive Order 14091 of February 16, 2023 | https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/02/22/2023-03779/further-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal