Published on: 17th February 2025
This is Auslan90 – Deep Dive, produced by Deaf Connect, supported by SBS.
In addition to our Daily news, Deaf Connect produces ‘deep dive’ videos which provide more detail and context to the biggest stories of the week.
Today’s deep dive focuses on Diversity program cuts in the United States Government.
In a move to prioritise merit-based recruitment, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to eliminate what he called “radical and wasteful” diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility (DEI/DEIA) programs within the government.
This decision has led to the shutdown of initiatives aimed at creating a diverse workforce, including demographic representation targets. The National Association of the Deaf reports that several deaf and hard of hearing government staff were placed on leave “with plans for their termination”.
Watch the video to understand the broader impact of this change, as well as its ripple effects on major companies like Google and Amazon.
This project is funded by the Federal Government Department of Social Services Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program.
Your feedback on Auslan90, the news we cover and the format will help Deaf Connect better understand the demand for accessible news, and potentially expand the program beyond the pilot, so please provide any feedback in English or Auslan to [email protected]
