Feds Ditch Quotas and DEI from Top Brass Evaluations: Tougher Times Ahead?
Published Date: 9/15/2025
Rule
Summary
The government is changing how top executives (Senior Executive Service) get rated on their work. They’re removing rules that forced a set number of high ratings and cutting out diversity and inclusion language from these rules. This means agencies can be tougher and fairer when judging their leaders, starting now, to make sure ratings truly match performance.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Agencies May Limit Top SES Ratings
If you are a Senior Executive Service (SES) employee, the rule removes the ban on forced distribution of SES performance ratings so agencies may limit how many people get the highest rating levels. The change is intended to increase rigor and produce a more normalized distribution of SES ratings across the Federal Government, and it takes effect starting now.
DEI Language Removed from SES Rules
The rule eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language from Senior Executive Service performance management regulations. That change is intended to let agencies judge SES leaders without DEI language in the rules and is effective starting now.
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Key Dates
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