The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is looking to hire a new DEI strategist who will “…expand the USCP’s efforts to deliver effective diversity, equity, and inclusion training.” According to the employment posting from the USCP, the individual hired will serve as an “expert advisor of diversity, equity and inclusion learning strategies to the Chief Diversity Officer, providing expertise to ensure DEI training are knowledge and behavior-based and measurable.”

Why the USCP has need for a DEI office is unclear. The department is primarily charged with protecting the U.S. Capitol, Congressional office buildings, Members of Congress, staff, and visitors from crime, terrorism, and violent civil unrest.

With Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, it is surprising DEI programs at the USCP are still being funded. After this summer’s Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action, Republican lawmaker across the country began a concerted effort to roll back DEI programs in both government and the private sector – arguing they encouraged the racial-quotas and race-based employment preferences the Court ruled unconstitutional.

The House and Senate Appropriations, House Administration, and Senate Rules and Administration all exercise jurisdiction over the police department. While Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has a degree of influence over the USCP’s top brass, it is directly governed by a board comprised of the Senate Sergeant at Arms, House Sergeant at Arms, and the Architect of the Capitol.

DEI-style programs in other parts of the federal government have resulted in worrying outcomes including increased threats to national security, the Department of Homeland Security employing a Hamas sympathizer, and mass insubordination at the State, Commerce, Defense, and Interior Departments over the perception President Biden was too favorable to Israel.