Internal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service memos obtained by The Washington Times show the agency prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, instead its mission to protect species and habitats, under President Joe Biden's appointee Martha Williams.
"Director Williams has identified this work as her number one priority because the creation of a true culture of belonging at the Service will unlock the fuller potential of our workforce to drive mission success far into the future," agency deputy Wendi Weber wrote in a staff memo, the Times reported.
Employees of the department told the Times they were sent to diversity training and are continuously encouraged to attend webinars and seminars on DEI topics.
Another memo by Williams said employees should be able to take paid time off to participate in groups promoting events like gay pride for additional hours than the previously allowed two-hours per month.
"We must show our commitment by supporting employees' leadership and participation in groups, initiatives and activities that support advancing DEIA and creating welcoming workplaces," Williams' memo added. "To foster engagement in DEIA groups, managers and supervisors are encouraged to approve a reasonable amount of official time for employee participation in meetings, events and staff-work related to DEIA activities, while balancing operational needs."
Biden appointed Williams to the post in January 2021 after she served as Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks from 2017-2020, according to her agency profile on the federal website.
After Senate confirmation, she took office March 8, 2022.
Since her appointment, Williams' background has come under scrutiny by dozens of scientists and environmental groups for not having the proper educational resume the position requires, The Associated Press reported April 12.
Williams educational background is in law and philosophy instead of the scientific-based education federal law requires for the job.
Those concerns led 100 scientists to send a letter to Biden and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland last week challenging her credentials.
Neither the White House, nor the agency responded to the AP's request for comment on the letter.
According to the report, Williams' education did not come up during the Senate confirmation hearings and she was approved in a bipartisan vote.
Biden administration attorneys told the AP that her experience including both her formal education and time leading the Montana agency should be taken "cumulatively."
Both GOP and Democrat senators that voted for Williams defended their positions to the AP.
"[Williams] has brought collaborative, science-based solutions to the tough problems facing our wildlife and public lands," Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., told the AP.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., also stands behind his vote to approve Williams for the position.
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