FBI leadership sent an email to agents directing them to refrain from engaging in Pride Month activities while on the clock. The move stands in contrast to actions taken under the previous White House administration.
“I’ve received several questions about the FBI’s stance on Pride Month and what related activities FBI divisions and employees should or should not participate in,” FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson said in an email obtained by Fox News. “So, I want to take the opportunity to make FBI leadership’s expectations clear: There should be no official FBI actions, events, or messaging regarding Pride Month.”
The email notes that employees may engage as they would like in a “personal capacity” outside of work.
“But on FBI time, using FBI resources and your Bureau affiliation, you and your divisions are expected to take no official actions or issue any specific messaging,” the email read, adding that the “stance in no way lessens the FBI’s commitment to serve and protect every American in our country or welcoming colleagues from all walks of life.”
“What it does mean is ensuring that the American people see we are focused only on our core mission.”
The Biden administration’s FBI publicly recognized Pride Month in several instances. Last year, the FBI wrote on X, “At the #FBI, we know that diversity makes us stronger. During #PrideMonth, the FBI celebrates our #LGBTQIA+ colleagues’ contributions to our country and our mission.”
The bureau also wrote, “The #FBI celebrates the positive impacts our #LGBTQ+ teammates have made on the Bureau and across the nation during #PrideMonth and every day. Thank you for your service to our communities, your dedication to the mission, and the perspectives you bring to the table.” The FBI has also displayed the Pride flag outside its headquarters.
