Emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the Functional Government Initiative (FGI) have revealed that the Biden administration influenced the Department of Interior to reverse a ban on National Park Service employees wearing uniforms at political demonstrations. The original policy, reiterated in a May 9, 2024 memo by then-NPS Deputy Director Frank Lands, prohibited employees from attending events where their uniform could imply agency support for specific issues or political parties. This policy was clarified to include LGBTQ+ pride events.
The reversal came after reports of the ban were published on May 20, 2024, drawing criticism from gay activist groups. According to documents from the Department of Interior, Elizabeth Bloom, then-White House Policy Advisor, contacted Jennifer Koduru, DOI’s principal Diversity Officer, about the media coverage of the NPS memo. Following this communication, Melissa Schwartz was tasked with addressing the issue by Rachael Taylor.
On May 24, Secretary Deb Haaland announced the reversal of the memo and directed bureau leaders to review participation in externally organized events like Pride Month. She emphasized that such events are a priority and allowed employees to participate in uniform.
Roderick Law from FGI commented on the situation: "NPS policy was meant to prevent construing of agency support for a particular issue, yet the Biden administration stepped in so quickly to reverse the ban." He added that consistent enforcement of these policies would be preferable.
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