Federal health workers are expressing fear after a controversial website, “DEI Watch List,” published personal details, including photos and names, of several employees from health agencies. The site labeled these individuals as “targets,” triggering concern among workers.
The site primarily lists Black employees in agencies under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), though the exact date of its launch is unclear. The website accuses these workers of “offenses” such as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), donating to Democrats, and using pronouns in their social media bios.
The website, a government worker revealed, is being widely circulated through private group chats and social media platforms among federal health workers.
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, condemned the website after a federal health worker sent it to him. “This is a scare tactic to intimidate people doing important work,” he said. “It’s clear racism.”
One federal health worker, who requested anonymity, shared their concerns after discovering their name on the site. “It’s unnerving. My picture is there, and it’s easy to Google someone’s address today,” they said, expressing fear for their safety. “The intention of this list is unclear, but it’s a scary place to be.”
The website initially labeled these workers as “Targets.” However, late on Tuesday, the heading was changed to “Dossiers.” It includes personal details such as salaries, social media posts, and participation in DEI initiatives, some of which have been erased from federal websites.
Dr. Benjamin, in response, suggested that the actions could be criminal. “Law enforcement should investigate these online harassment tactics.”
A separate federal health worker, who is not on the list, called the website “psychological warfare.” The website link is circulating in private group chats, causing heightened anxiety among staff. “People are paranoid. We don’t know who is behind this or their true agenda,” they said.
At the bottom of the website, it states that it is a project of the American Accountability Foundation, a conservative watchdog group known for similar actions. Last December, the group compiled a list of military personnel deemed “too focused on DEI” and sent it to Pete Hegseth, a nominee for defense secretary, the New York Post reported.
Both the American Accountability Foundation and HHS did not respond to requests for comment.
The release of the website follows a tense period for federal health workers, especially at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Employees there have reported receiving threatening memos from HHS, demanding they cease any work related to DEI and report colleagues who don’t comply.
“The tone is aggressive, and there are threats of consequences if we don’t comply,” said a CDC physician who spoke anonymously. “There’s a lot of fear.”
NBC News obtained one of the memos, which instructed employees to place those involved in promoting “gender ideology” on immediate paid leave.
This has led to widespread paranoia among workers. “People are afraid if they make one mistake, they’ll be fired,” said another CDC physician. In one instance, a co-worker luncheon was canceled to avoid accusations of promoting diversity.
Despite the pressure and harassment, federal health employees say they remain committed to their work. “If I leave, who will replace me? Who will continue the public health work?” said one CDC physician. “If enough of us leave, there will be no one left to do the job.”
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