The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2023

34 JULY-AUGUST 2023 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL recommended solutions; we are exploring ways to address that in keeping with due process and privacy considerations. The ODI team has advocated for stronger consequences for substantiated harassment, discrimination, and bullying, as well as for stronger vetting of candidates under consideration for chief of mission, deputy chief of mission, principal officer, and deputy assistant secretary positions. Those who have a track record of engaging in or tolerating misconduct should not lead our bureaus and missions. Another continuing challenge is the perception that DEIA is focused on advancing only the interests of racial minorities. We make the case that DEIA benefits everyone: women, racial minorities, those with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, as well as those in the majority in State leadership positions, mean- ing for the most part straight males of European descent. It takes only a moment to realize not every European American male is part of the “in crowd.” DEIA initiatives help everyone by introducing greater transparency and accountability in our processes. I will close by noting that we are also living in extraordi- narily complex times. If we are to handle the challenges our nation faces with maximum effectiveness, the State Depart- ment needs diversity of thought, background, perspectives, and lived experiences at the policymaking table. We need an inclu- sive workforce, offered equitable opportunities to advance, to ensure our foreign policy is as strong, smart, and creative as it can be. n Another continuing challenge is the perception that DEIA is focused on advancing only the interests of racial minorities.