Amtrak Ends DEI Programs Following Federal Order
Employees were informed on Feb. 6, shortly after new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a memo instructing agencies to eliminate activities related to climate change, racial equity, gender identity, and DEI goals.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak has officially ended its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following a federal directive, adding the railroad company to the growing list of corporations rolling back diversity initiatives. Employees were informed on Feb. 6, shortly after new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a memo instructing agencies to eliminate activities related to climate change, racial equity, gender identity, and DEI goals.
The directive follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 23, which terminated all DEI-related programs within the federal government. The move is part of a broader shift following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions.
Chief Justice John Roberts, in the ruling, criticized race-based policies, stating that identity should be based on achievements rather than skin color. "Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice," he wrote.
DEI Erased from Amtrak’s Public Messaging
Amtrak has already removed diversity-related language from its website. In place of previous statements, CEO Stephen Gardner now emphasizes fostering an inclusive workplace. While press releases highlighting the company’s 2023 and 2024 diversity reports remain online, links to the reports themselves have been disabled.
Before the changes, Amtrak had been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for Diversity in 2023. At the time, former Chief Human Resources Officer Qiana Spain praised the company’s commitment to inclusion, stating that Amtrak’s strategy supported recruitment, development, and retention of diverse talent. In 2023, the company reported a 55% promotion rate for diverse employees and a 60% increase in Employee Resource Group membership.
Return to Office Mandate
In addition to discontinuing DEI initiatives, Amtrak is also phasing out remote work. Starting March 3, employees will be required to report to the office four days per week, aligning with another Trump administration order requiring federal employees to return to in-person work.
The changes reflect a broader rollback of workplace policies implemented in recent years, signaling a shift in federal priorities under the current administration.
