Diversity in the Age of Terror: How Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the U.S. Intelligence Community Enhances National Security

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Florida A&M University Law Review

Journal Abbreviation

Fla. A & M U. L. Rev.

Abstract

Racial and ethnic diversity in the intelligence community enhances U.S. national security. But a history of homogeneity in the intelligence community has undermined national security. The failure to maximize the benefits of a pluralistic population led to a dearth of diverse intelligence personnel that helped account for the failure to fully understand the al-Qaeda threat. The post-9/11 Intelligence Reform Act of 2004, which for the first time statutorily mandated efforts to diversify the intelligence community, was a significant step in remedying the lack of diversity in the intelligence community. Nevertheless, the intelligence committee needs to undertake further steps including continuing congressional oversight and race-related bona fide occupational qualifications to overcome a history of exclusion in the intelligence community. Despite incremental progress, the efforts to diversify the intelligence community must continue to attain both security and equality.

First Page

49

Last Page

88

Publication Date

2010

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