Us Congress Senate Bill SB2064

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/23
• Refer: 6/21/23

Caption

Stop Wasteful, Odious, and Kooky Exercises at State Act Stop WOKE at State Act

Impact

If enacted, SB2064 would significantly alter the evaluation framework for foreign service officers by removing DEIA considerations from performance assessments. This is structured to ensure that evaluations are solely merit-based, which proponents argue will restore focus on professional qualifications and reduce what they perceive as biases introduced by DEIA goals. However, this shift could lead to a less diverse workforce in the Foreign Service, as the removal of DEIA factors may discourage efforts to promote inclusivity in federal service roles.

Summary

SB2064, known as the 'Stop Wasteful, Odious, and Kooky Exercises at State Act' or 'Stop WOKE at State Act', aims to revise the evaluation and promotion process for Foreign Service officers within the U.S. Department of State. The bill specifically prohibits the use of advocacy for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles as a criterion for officer evaluations during tenure and promotion appraisals. This means that performance evaluations will be conducted solely based on adherence to merit system principles defined in federal law, potentially reshaping how leadership attributes are perceived and rewarded in Foreign Service positions.

Contention

The legislation has generated considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters praise it as a necessary step to uphold meritocracy within the Foreign Service, asserting that it eliminates unwarranted favoritism based on social criteria. Conversely, critics express concerns that this legislation undermines decades of progress towards achieving a more representative and equitable workforce in federal services. The exclusion of DEIA principles from evaluation criteria may result in a reduction of efforts aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, raising concerns about the long-term implications for personnel in these roles.