Three House Democrats have proposed legislation that would require the State Department to do more to ensure minorities and women are employed there, and force it to report to Congress every four years on the steps it takes to “increase diversity.”
“A variety of views, backgrounds, and experiences contribute to more creative thinking and efficient problem solving, both of which play a crucial role in our nation’s diplomatic efforts,” said Joaquin Castro, R-Texas, the lead sponsor of the Foreign Affairs Inclusion Reporting Act, or the FAIR Act.
“By increasing diversity at the State Department, the FAIR Act aims to enhance America’s potential for success in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges,” Castro said.
Democratic supporters of the bill didn’t directly criticize the Obama administration’s State Department for failing to include women and minorities. But Democrats clearly think more can be done.
Co-sponsor Karen Bass, D-Calif., said the State Department needs to “reflect fully America’s diversity.”
“It is vitally important that qualified candidates of all backgrounds be afforded the opportunity to serve at all grades whether in the State Department’s Civil Service or Foreign Service,” she said. “The FAIR Act will work towards achieving this goal.”
Part of the bill would expand the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs program at State, helping prepare students at Howard University for career as diplomats. Rangel, a current member of Congress, praised that provision.
“By expanding the opportunity for talented individuals of color to study U.S. Foreign Policy and prepare for work in our Foreign Service, we are able to better promote a positive U.S. presence in the world that reflects and respects the strength and diversity of America,” he said.
Specifically, the bill would require State to report every four years on its efforts to “increase diversity regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender, and service-disabled veterans, with a focus on traditionally underrepresented minority groups,” according to a description of the bill.
It would also require State to “provide attention and oversight to the employment, retention, and promotion of underrepresented groups to promote a diverse ethnic representation among mid- and senior-level career employees.”
