Education Dept. Places 55 on Leave Over DEI Ban

The U.S. Department of Education has placed at least 55 employees on administrative leave following an executive order from the Trump administration targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The affected employees, including civil rights attorneys and program analysts, had participated in diversity training encouraged by former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Union representatives suggest this move could be an attempt to intimidate employees into resigning, with offers of eight months' salary for those who choose to leave voluntarily. Employees have been informed that the leave is not disciplinary and will maintain their pay and benefits, but have had their email access suspended. This action is part of a broader government initiative to eliminate DEI efforts, raising concerns of a possible 'witch hunt' against those involved in such programs. The Education Department has yet to comment on the matter.