In April 2025, the U.S. State Department launched an initiative requesting employees to report instances of perceived anti-Christian bias that may have occurred between January 2021 and January 2025. This move aims to identify and address potential religious discrimination within the department during the Biden administration.
The department’s directive encourages staff to report various forms of alleged discrimination, including:
- Denial of religious accommodations, such as exemptions from mandatory vaccinations or observance of religious holidays.
- Adverse actions taken against individuals for expressing objections to policies or practices related to personal pronouns, or for opposing displays perceived as conflicting with their religious beliefs.
- Removal or prohibition of personal religious expressions in the workplace, including clothing, accessories, or desk items.
Reports can be submitted anonymously and will be reviewed by a government-wide task force dedicated to investigating anti-Christian bias.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for comprehensive reporting of any discriminatory actions against Christians or their advocates within the specified timeframe. The task force responsible for these investigations will collect information from affected individuals and groups, aiming to identify and rectify instances of religious bias.
Notably, Lew Olowski, recently appointed to lead the department’s Bureau of Global Talent Management, delivered remarks to new diplomats that included religious references, sparking discussions about the role of personal beliefs in official capacities. His wife, Heather Olowski, heads the State Department’s Office of Civil Rights, which will receive the reports of alleged bias.AP News
This initiative arises amid broader discussions about religious freedom and the role of personal beliefs in government settings. The department’s actions reflect ongoing efforts to ensure that policies and practices uphold the rights of individuals to express and practice their faith without fear of discrimination.AP News
As the task force begins its work, the outcomes of these investigations may influence future policies and set precedents for how religious accommodations are handled within federal agencies.
The State Department’s call for reports on alleged anti-Christian bias represents a significant step toward addressing concerns about religious discrimination within the federal government. By establishing a dedicated task force and providing avenues for anonymous reporting, the department seeks to uphold principles of religious freedom and ensure an inclusive environment for all employees.
