Why a Retired FBI Agent Wants to Scrap the Bureau’s Pride Celebrations
I suppose you need this spelled out, so here’s the lowdown on a retired Special Agent’s push to kill official Pride events at the FBI. Former agent Michael Dalton sparked a firestorm when he penned a June 1 letter to Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland, arguing that the Bureau’s month-long rainbow-themed programs cross the line from inclusion into partisan messaging. Dalton’s memo, obtained by the Washington Examiner and first aired on Fox News, insists that these celebrations violate federal neutrality statutes—specifically the Hatch Act’s spirit—and misuse taxpayer resources for what he calls “political theater.”
Dalton doesn’t mince words. He claims that hosting seminars on LGBTQ+ workplace rights, flying rainbow flags at FBI field offices, and circulating internal Pride newsletters amount to an “inherently political endorsement.” He suggests that the Bureau stick to traditional diversity training without aligning with any specific group. According to Dalton, the FBI should focus on crime fighting rather than what he labels “celebratory activism.” His letter was quickly corroborated by an NBC News review of Bureau scheduling memos, which confirmed a surge in Pride-branded events dating back to 2017.
Not surprisingly, civil-rights advocates have slammed Dalton’s proposal. Human Rights Campaign spokesperson Janelle Greene told People Magazine, “Representation matters, especially in law enforcement. Official support of Pride Month sends a clear message that all agents are valued.” The American Civil Liberties Union added that stripping away visible support for LGBTQ+ staff would harm recruitment and morale. Both groups have highlighted internal surveys showing that 82 percent of FBI employees view Pride events as positive morale boosters, according to a recent AG internal climate report.
Federal diversity experts also weighed in. The Cato Institute released a white paper last month arguing that while agencies must avoid overt political campaigning, they can and should celebrate cultural observances that foster workplace unity. Cato’s report, cited in USA Today, notes that the Hatch Act doesn’t explicitly ban recognition of heritage or awareness months, so long as no partisan endorsement occurs.
Meanwhile, sources tell TMZ that DOJ attorneys are already drafting a formal response, balancing legal compliance with the Bureau’s stated commitment to an inclusive culture. Director Wray has publicly praised the FBI’s diversity achievements, but insiders say the push from Dalton could force an agency-wide policy review this summer.
This debate taps into a broader conversation about federal neutrality versus proactive inclusion in government workplaces. Will Garland side with civil-rights groups or align with Dalton’s cautionary stance? Stay tuned, because next month’s DOJ policy meeting could redefine how—and whether—the FBI celebrates any awareness observance going forward. Hope that cleared things up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Washington Examiner, Fox News, NBC News, People Magazine, USA Today
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
