Dozens of workers at the U.S. Department of Education were summarily placed on paid administrative leave on Friday — and were not told why, reported ABC News on Monday.
The report said "some employees told ABC News they believe the only common thread among them is that they attended a voluntary training called the 'Diversity Change-Agent Training Program'" — as the letters alerting workers to the suspensions said they were issued under President Donald Trump's executive order abolishing diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, programs in the executive branch.
The paid leave orders weren't officially regarded as disciplinary actions, according to the report — but they locked affected employees out of government systems, relieved them of work responsibilities, and did not mention any set timeline for when they are allowed to return.
ALSO READ: 'Driven to self-loathing': Inside the extremist website believed to 'groom' teen attackers
"It's very, very, unsettling," said one Education Department employee who has worked for the agency for more than two decades. "I don't get it. What's my crime? What have I done?"
Trump's order was ostensibly targeted at DEI programs enacted in recent years, which are intended to promote inclusion and dialogue in government agencies and have become a particular target of outrage among Republicans. However, the order was worded so broadly that it could even prevent observance of Black History Month at federal agencies.
This comes as Trump administration officials reportedly discuss how they might craft an executive order to abolish key functions of the Education Department altogether — which, while of unclear legality due to the agency's authorization by Congress, would be part of a key campaign promise Trump made to far-right activists who have been desperate to eliminate the agency for decades.
The Education Department performs several vital functions, including overseeing financial aid for colleges and universities and enforcing the civil rights of students.
