US Embassy in Denmark Demands Companies Ditch Pro-Diversity Policies 🔥
US calls for thorough explanations from Danish corporations concerning their diversity practices
In a surprise move, several Danish companies have received a letter from the US Embassy, demanding they sign a statement confirming they do not have any pro-diversity policies that potentially clash with a recently-issued executive order.
Strange Events 🚨
The Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv) confirmed to broadcaster DR that a number of companies had been asked by the US Embassy to affirm their absence of pro-diversity policies. Søren Friis Larsen, USA country manager with the Danish Chamber of Commerce, told DR that they had received queries from several of their members regarding this letter.
International media have previously suggested that US embassies have been contacting European companies with business agreements with the US government or State Department. According to the reports, the embassies reminded the companies that the executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, also applies to companies supplying his administration. The executive order aims to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at workplaces.
To Vague or Not to Vague 🤔
Larsen expressed concerns over the letter's vagueness, causing uncertainty and confusion among businesses. The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), the largest interest organisation for Danish businesses, also confirmed the existence of the letter.
DI's director of consultation Kinga Szabo Christensen stated, "We've never seen anything like this before, whereby the US attempts to dictate and interfere in European companies' management rights. This is completely unheard of."
An Unprecedented Intrusion 😠
DI believes Danish companies should not lower their ambitions for diversity and inclusion, citing the importance of recruiting from the entire talent pool. They raised concerns that the US move could set a dangerous precedent for future interference in European business practices.
Terms of Use: www.ourwebsite.com/terms-of-use 🔥
Ever wondered about the backstory behind the demands? Here's a glimpse:
- Certification Application: The embassy sent contractors a form requiring them to certify they do not operate DEI programs that violate the order. Non-compliance could impact payment, as the certification is "material for payment decisions."[3]
- Order Scope: The order (effective from January 2025) applies to all US government suppliers globally, without exception.[3][4][5] It explicitly forbids DEI programs with race/sex-based preferences.[3][4][5]
- Global Response: Similar demands were reported in France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain, affecting sectors like defense and aviation.[5] The certification form obtained by CNN specifically required confirmation within five days.[3][5]
- The recent news about the US Embassy in Denmark instructing Danish companies to abandon their pro-diversity policies has sparked concerns among business leaders.
- Søren Friis Larsen, the USA country manager with the Danish Chamber of Commerce, raised potential inclusion issues which the vague demands introduce, causing uncertainty among businesses.
- In a general news segment, the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) expressed disapproval toward the US's potential political interference in their management rights and European business practices.
- The DEI policies, aiming to foster diversity and inclusion, have been a subject of a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump, potentially affecting companies with business agreements with the US government.
- TheDanish Chamber of Commerce confirmed that several companies had been contacted by the US Embassy, asking them to affirm the absence of pro-diversity policies, a move potentially setting a dangerous precedent for future interference in European business management.
- International media have reported similar instances in France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain, where US embassies have reminded European companies that the executive order applies to them, potentially affecting sectors like defense and aviation.
- The Danish Chamber of Commerce and DI have both emphasized the importance of maintaining their commitment to a diverse workforce and wholeheartedly discourage any policy changes that may compromise their diversity and inclusion initiatives.
