France’s Foreign Trade Minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, expressed his deep shock over the US Embassy in Paris calling on French companies to terminate their diversity programs, aligning with US President Donald Trump’s domestic policies.

“We will have to discuss this with the United States embassy in France because we need to understand the real intention behind this letter,” stated Saint-Martin on broadcaster RTL.

This incident follows a report from the French Economy Ministry, stating that several dozen French companies, either already doing business with the US or looking to do so, have received letters requesting them to fill out a questionnaire confirming that they “do not practice programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” commonly referred to as DEI programs.

DEI initiatives are designed to provide opportunities for individuals from historically excluded groups, such as people of color, women, and certain minorities. However, Trump and his allies have targeted these programs, labeling them as discriminatory and contrary to a purely merit-based system.

Experts have strongly rejected this notion, asserting that DEI initiatives only seek to rectify wrongs committed against certain social groups that have unjustly been denied the opportunity to reach their full potential.

France has shown a clear reluctance to reverse its inclusion policies. Saint-Martin emphasized, “We cannot just cancel the application of our own laws overnight.” He also mentioned that the demand represents an overreach of American jurisdiction into the realm of values.

The French employers’ federation Medef’s head, Patrick Martin, has declared that renouncing the rules of inclusion in French companies is “out of the question.”

According to a copy of the letter published by French daily Le Figaro, the directive stems from an executive order signed by Trump in January, which halts DEI programs within the federal government and extends to all suppliers and service providers of the US Government, irrespective of their nationality.

This executive order requires all DEI programs to be taken down by January 23, imposing administrative leave on all employees pending eventual dismissal. It has sparked several lawsuits.

Moreover, references to women, people of color, and the LBGTQ+ community have been removed from websites and other federal government materials. Organizations implementing DEI programs, including hospitals and universities, have faced rigorous scrutiny.

Edited by: Zac Crellin

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/france-voices-shock-at-us-calls-to-drop-dei-programs/a-72094764?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf