NSA’s Recent Policy Shift: Dropping DEI Language

The National Security Agency (NSA) is set to remove 27 specific words related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from its websites and internal networks, sparking debate over the agency’s recruitment policies and organizational culture.

Quick Takes

NSA is removing 27 DEI-related terms from its websites and internal networks
The action is in response to President Trump’s order to eliminate DEI programs
The removal is causing disruption to mission-related work and internal systems
Other federal agencies are also removing DEI references from their websites
Critics argue this may impact the agency’s ability to reflect national diversity

NSA’s “Big Delete” Operation

The National Security Agency (NSA) is embarking on a significant overhaul of its digital presence, dubbed the “Big Delete” operation. This initiative, set to take place on February 10, involves the removal of 27 specific words related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from the agency’s websites and internal networks. The move comes in direct response to President Trump’s executive order to eliminate DEI programs and language across federal agencies.

The list of terms slated for removal includes words such as “anti-racism,” “bias,” “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion.” This purge is not limited to public-facing content but extends to internal network pages and project management software, causing considerable disruption to the agency’s operations. The NSA is attempting to identify “mission-related sites” to prevent accidental removal of critical content, highlighting the complexity and potential risks associated with this sweeping change.

Implications for Recruitment and Organizational Culture

The removal of DEI language from the NSA’s digital platforms raises questions about the agency’s future approach to recruitment and organizational culture. Advocates of the change argue that it aligns the institution more closely with operational readiness and individual qualifications. However, critics express concern that this shift may hinder the agency’s efforts to mirror the nation’s diversity, potentially impacting the range of perspectives crucial for effective intelligence analysis.

The NSA’s action is part of a broader trend across federal agencies. The Department of Education, Department of Justice, and even the FBI have taken similar steps to remove DEI references from their websites and operations. This coordinated effort reflects a significant shift in how these concepts are perceived and implemented within government institutions.

Challenges and Unintended Consequences

The implementation of this policy change is not without its challenges. According to internal sources, the process has been described as “very chaotic,” with potential impacts on mission-related work. The broad nature of the banned terms means that their removal could affect content unrelated to DEI initiatives, potentially disrupting normal operations and communication within the agency.

Judd Legum and Rebecca Crosby at Popular Information report that an unnamed NSA source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, says the process is “‘very chaotic” but is plowing ahead anyway.

The NSA has clarified that the list of 27 words is not a “banned words” list but rather a tool for identifying content that needs updates or removal. However, the removal of certain content, such as press releases on “50 Years of Pride” and Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month, suggests a more comprehensive approach to eliminating DEI-related material.

As the NSA and other federal agencies navigate this transition, the long-term effects on recruitment, organizational culture, and operational effectiveness remain to be seen. The decision continues to fuel the ongoing national debate about the role and visibility of DEI initiatives within public sector spaces.