In a recent congressional hearing, Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL) sharply questioned Secretary Rubio regarding the State Department’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, accusing the Secretary of deviating from previous commitments and existing U.S. law.
The exchange saw Rep. Jackson draw parallels between current policy debates and historical struggles, referencing his own arrest 39 years ago while protesting apartheid in South Africa. He voiced significant concern over the cessation of U.S. government support for DEIA programs, which he described as crucial for ensuring fair hiring practices and strengthening national security.
Representative Jackson underscored that DEIA efforts have historically enjoyed bipartisan backing and are mandated by Congress. He specifically pointed to Section 5403 of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which legally requires the State Department to actively recruit individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
During the questioning, Jackson reminded Secretary Rubio of statements made during a 2022 Senate hearing where Rubio reportedly affirmed that “unity is our strength” and emphasized the importance of upholding the law.
However, Rep. Jackson argued that Secretary Rubio’s current stance—characterized by Jackson as prioritizing hiring the “best people” irrespective of their background—contradicts these earlier affirmations and the legal mandates for diversity. Jackson suggested this shift represented a capitulation to what he termed former President Trump’s “anti-woke agenda.”
“The law is not a suggestion,” Jackson was quoted as saying, urging Secretary Rubio to stand by his previous convictions and fully support diversity within the State Department.
The confrontation highlighted ongoing debates surrounding DEIA policies within federal agencies. Following his remarks, Representative Jackson yielded the remainder of his allotted time to Representative Sarah McBride. Secretary Rubio’s direct responses during this portion of the hearing were not detailed in the provided summary of the exchange.