NEWARK, NJ — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced Friday that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will immediately cease participation in identity-based observances, stating that such events are “distractions” from the agency’s core mission of safety and infrastructure.
Duffy made the announcement in a post on X, formerly Twitter, emphasizing that his priority is enforcing “the highest standards of safety and accountability” in the wake of two recent plane crashes.
This comes after two crashes, one in Washington, D.C., another in Philadelphia this week. It will affect all of the region’s major transportation hubs including Newark Airport, JFK Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.
“Effective immediately, the Department of Transportation will no longer participate in celebrations based on immutable traits or any other identity-based observances,” Duffy wrote. “These distractions do nothing to keep planes in the air, trains on the tracks, or ports and highways secure.”
The decision marks a shift in DOT policy, which has previously recognized various identity-based awareness months, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Pride Month.
The move has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters applauding the focus on transportation safety, while opponents argue it undermines efforts to promote diversity within the department.
