State Department Calls for Reports of Alleged Anti-Christian Bias During Biden Administration

The State Department has urged its employees to report any instances of anti-Christian bias experienced during the Biden administration. This request comes as the Christian world observes Holy Week. Employees are encouraged to disclose any formal or informal actions related to opposition to vaccines or personal pronoun choices. The appeal is part of a broader initiative to address religious bias within the department.

Amidst this, the State Department is preparing for an update on budget and staff reductions, expected to be presented to the White House soon. This update will include estimates of voluntary retirements and separations, which could impact future layoffs. However, officials have clarified that this update will not finalise the department's reorganisation.

Focus on Anti-Christian Bias

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has initiated efforts to eliminate religious bias in policies and hiring practices, focusing on anti-Christian activities under President Joe Biden. A recent cable sent to all US diplomatic missions requests staff to report any discriminatory actions against Christians or their advocates from January 2021 to January 2025.

The cable outlines that all reported allegations will be investigated by a government-wide task force on anti-Christian bias. If discrimination is found, those responsible may face disciplinary action. The cable also assures that reports can be submitted anonymously.

Task Force and Reporting Mechanism

The task force aims to gather information from individuals and groups affected by anti-Christian bias or other religious discrimination. It seeks examples from the past four years where the department targeted individuals for their religion, including discrimination, harassment, exclusion, or adverse security clearance determinations.

Potential violations include actions against individuals requesting religious accommodation for mandatory vaccines or observing religious holidays. Mistreatment for refusing participation in events promoting themes inconsistent with one's beliefs is also highlighted.

Concerns Among Employees

Some employees expressed concern over the cable's timing, especially after a junior foreign service officer was promoted to temporarily lead the department's human resources office. Lew Olowski assumed this role last week and referenced Biblical verses and quotes from President Abraham Lincoln in his first address to new diplomats.

Olowski emphasised the importance of oaths, stating: "Oaths and words are different. Words are for talking. Dolphins can talk. Oaths are covenants. Animals do not covenant. Only God and man can make covenants." He further compared the Constitution's words to divine commandments.

Controversy Surrounding Appointments

Reports of anti-Christian bias are directed to Olowski's wife, Heather, who leads the State Department's civil rights office. The American Foreign Service Association criticised Olowski's appointment, arguing it contradicts the tradition of appointing senior or retired career diplomats to such positions.

Olowski's past writings in conservative publications have sparked debate among internal groups due to their pro-Trump and anti-immigrant sentiments. These writings have circulated widely within internal chat groups.

The State Department's initiative reflects ongoing efforts to address religious bias while navigating organisational changes and employee concerns about leadership appointments.