The Department of Energy this week unveiled a framework for increasing its workplace diversity as directed by the White House, the agency said in a press release.
Under DOE’s new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) strategic plan, the agency aims to “sustain an inclusive and accessible work environment by strengthening recruitment, retention and promotion, while removing inequitable barriers to advancement and development opportunities,” according to Thursday’s release.
Under its new DEIA strategy, the department planned to create a council for implementing diversity and inclusion programs. Representatives for the body will be chosen by DOE chiefs of staff and undersecretaries.
DOE also plans to address “demographic underrepresentation” in its outreach, recruitment, hiring and promotion practices, the press release said. The agency will also establish a new policy on gender identity and gender transition.
The department will release an annual report about its progress in implementing the DEIA plan.
DOE unveiled its new diversity and inclusion strategy around two months after President Joe Biden in June issued an executive order directing federal agencies to establish “additional procedures” to address issues of race and gender equality in their workplaces.
The DEIA plan is the latest of DOE’s efforts to increase its engagement with underrepresented groups. The agency is also participating in the White House’s Justice40 initiative, a program that aims to direct 40% of federal investment into climate-friendly policies towards underserved communities.
