U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) this week announced that he will introduce the “Diversity in Defense Act” in Congress’ upper chamber.
This legislation is a companion to a bill already introduced in the House and would codify amendments included in the House-passed version of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion within the armed services.
Groups such as the Heritage Foundation had criticized their inclusion in the NDAA as being prioritized over military preparedness and war fighting capabilities.
A release from Jones’ office asserted, “The inclusion of these provisions in the Diversity in Defense Act and in the FY21 NDAA are some of the most significant steps towards diversity and inclusion in our military since the desegregation of the armed forces in 1948.”
Some of these provisions reportedly include creating the position of Department of Defense Chief Diversity Officer that reports directly to the Secretary of Defense, forming a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council in the DoD, codifying diversity mandates on armed forces selection boards and establishing a special inspector general on racial and ethnic related issues in the military.
“Although we’ve made progress, there is still work to be done to ensure that our military fosters an inclusive environment that can attract, retain, and advance our nation’s top talent,” Jones said in a statement.
Alabama’s junior senator currently sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“I am proud to lead this legislation in the Senate and to advocate for continued efforts to diversify and strengthen our armed forces,” he concluded. “We have the greatest military in the world, and this effort will ensure we can tap into the strengths of Americans who for too long have been underrepresented throughout our ranks.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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