Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by
The Honorable Avril Haines
Director of National Intelligence
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Intelligence Community
Opening Statement
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Chairman Schiff, Ranking Member Nunes, members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to join you today. It’s an honor to be here with my colleagues to discuss the work we have ahead of us to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility – or D-E-I-A – in the IC.
While we have exceptional leaders within the IC who are committed to promoting DEIA, many of whom have worked hard to achieve the progress we have made thus far on these issues over the last many years, we know we have a great deal of work ahead of us. These leaders know that it is not only essential to our mission and our values but to who we are as a nation. Promoting diversity – ensuring that we reflect the country we serve – is a responsibility we carry as public servants.