Federal health workers are voicing fear and outrage after a disturbing website called “DEI Watch List” surfaced, publishing the photos, names, and personal information of employees across various health agencies. The site labeled these individuals as “targets” for their involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as for activities like donating to Democratic causes or using pronouns in their bios.
While it’s unclear exactly when the website first appeared, its impact has been immediate and alarming. The list predominantly features Black employees from agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The site has quickly spread across private group chats among federal health workers and has been shared through social media links. One federal worker, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, said they discovered their name on the list after a former colleague sent them the link.
“It’s unnerving,” the employee said. “My name and my picture is there, and in 2025, it’s very simple to Google and look up someone’s home address and all kinds of things that potentially put me at risk.”
Another health worker described the atmosphere as tense and fearful. “I don’t know what the intention of the list is for,”they said. “It’s just kind of a scary place to be.”
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, learned about the site on Tuesday evening after a federal health worker alerted him.
“This is a scare tactic to try to intimidate people who are trying to do their work and do it admirably,” Benjamin said. “It’s clear racism.”
Benjamin and others worry that the site is designed to sow fear among public health officials who are committed to DEI efforts, particularly at a time when diversity initiatives are facing increasing political pushback.
On Tuesday evening, the website prominently displayed photos of federal employees under the headline “Targets,”linking to more detailed information about each person. By late Tuesday night, the headline had been altered to “Dossiers,” though the site’s threatening tone remained the same.
At this time, it’s unclear who is behind the DEI Watch List website or what their ultimate intentions are. However, the exposure of personal information has left many federal health workers feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
As the site continues to circulate, public health leaders and employees are calling on the government to investigate the origins of the list and take action to protect those targeted.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
