WASHINGTON — Michael Leach, the White House’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer, is leaving the administration, the White House confirmed Thursday.
A White House official said Leach will leave the White House later this month, adding that the move had been in the works for some time. Leach is also a special assistant to the president.
A White House official described one of Leach’s most significant accomplishments as “helping to staff the most diverse administration in history.” The official said the Biden administration wants to make sure Leach’s job continues and is looking for a replacement.
Leach led diversity and inclusion efforts during President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, according to his LinkedIn profile, and has been with the administration since Biden entered the Oval Office. He called the job “the honor of a lifetime” in an interview with The Associated Press previously reported Leach’s planned departure.
“President-elect Biden and Vice President Harris have demonstrated their inspirational values time and again through their actions, and I couldn’t be more ready to serve with such a diverse and brilliant team as we continue the work of rebuilding our country,” Leach said. he sentn LinkedIn announced that he took over the administration three years ago.
The Biden administration released a report in June showing that it has hired the most diverse White House staff in U.S. history This was reported by NBC News. As of that report’s release date, nearly half of the administration’s appointees are racially or ethnically diverse, and about 59% of White House staff are women.
Biden has emphasized the importance of diversity throughout his tenure as Republicans oppose diversity and inclusion initiatives and teaching practices.
“We must keep the door of opportunities open. We must not forget that diversity is our strength. We have to find a way forward.” Biden said His comments came after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs in college admissions last year.
The Supreme Court’s decision was largely celebrated by Republican politicians who argued the practice harmed white and Asian applicants. Former President Donald Trump he called “A great day for America.”
Education curricula have also been a major battleground for those who disagree about how students should be taught about racism and history. Last year, Florida public schools The new standards recognized that “slaves developed skills that could in some cases be applied to their personal gain.” Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law last year. ban public colleges from using state or federal funds in their state diversity, equity and inclusion programs.