The FBI closed the DEI office in December, the agency says

EXCLUSIVE: The FBI has closed its DEI office, Fox News can confirm.

“In recent weeks, the FBI has taken steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective December 2024,” the agency told Fox News Digital on Thursday.

The agency did not specify why it had closed the office, although many Republicans have been critical of its prioritization of diversity, equity and inclusion, saying it had overshadowed national security.

Earlier this month, Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray claiming that “radical” DEI practices had “endangered” Americans after the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.

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“I am deeply concerned that the agency — under your leadership — has prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives over its core mission of protecting the American people,” Balckburn wrote in the Jan. 3 letter, after referring to the attack.

After the announcement, Blackburn said in a post on X: “The question is, why were they allowed to be focused on DEI in the first place? The FBI should be focused on catching criminals, not winning participation trophies.”

Trump-elect also commented on its closure, writing on Truth Social: “We demand that the FBI preserve and preserve all records, documents and information about the now closed DEI office – Should never have been opened and if it was, it should have closed a long time ago. Why is it that they close a day before the installation of a new administration.

The FBI’s diversity and inclusion page — which was still on its website as of Thursday — says the agency is “committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2015, the FBI added diversity as one of the organization’s core values.

It continued: “We believe that differences in thought and belief, in race and religion, in orientation and in ability contribute to more effective decision-making, foster innovation and improve the employee experience. We know that a more diverse workforce allows us to connect with and maintain the trust of the American people We also understand that we have a job to do, like today’s FBI, to foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity.

Former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor Nicole Parker told Fox News Digital, “I appreciate all kinds of diversity. Make no mistake about it. What I don’t appreciate is when there’s a constant push for social justice weapons in the FBI, whose top priorities are protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.”

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She added that FBI Director Christopher Wray has made it clear that threats across and against the nation are “at an all-time high. ‘Flashing red lights,’ as he has stated in congressional testimony. There is no time for clubs, groups, or social agendas that divert time, attention and resources away from the FBI’s mission of protecting the American people.”

“The DEI is a dangerous distraction,” she continued. “I have no problem celebrating whatever you’d like about your heritage or gender or religion. But it should be done on your own time and not with the American taxpayer’s dollars while you’re on official office time.”

Parker added, “The FBI needs to focus on hiring the best and brightest based solely on meritocracy. Americans deserve the best. I’ve never been on an operation or heard of a civilian calling into the FBI and requesting an individual of a particular race or gender give them help to solve their problem or stop a crime they have been victimized, Americans simply want to be safe.”

“The FBI should focus on being one in fighting crime, not different groups and divisions that divide,” she said.

Parker also noted that there are several other groups within the FBI aside from the DEI office, including the American Indian and Alaska Native Advisory Committee, Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, Black Affairs Diversity Committee, Bureau Equality, Hispanic Advisory Board, Near and Middle East The Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee on Persons with Disabilities, the Advisory Committee on Veterans Affairs, and the Advisory Committee on Women.

She said the agency also has several resource groups, including Blacks in Government, FBI African American Millennials, FBI Family, FBI Jewish Americans, FBI Latinos for Empowerment Advancement and Development, FBI Pride, Federal Asian Pacific American Counsel, Federally Employed Women, From Boots for Suits and Toastmasters Club.

Wray announced in December that he planned to step down with nearly three years left in his tenure, citing Trump’s desire for a leadership change at the agency.

This is President Biden’s last week in office. President-elect Trump takes office on Monday.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to head the FBI, for comment.

The FBI’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was created in 2012 under the Obama administration with its goal to provide “guidance and implement programs that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables all employees to succeed and advance.”

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In 2021, after Biden took office, Scott McMillion became the FBI’s first chief diversity officer and said he planned to spearhead a “cultural shift” at the agency.