Diversity at the CIA

“Our Country is home to gifted people of virtually every national origin, creed, and culture.  In our diversity there is tremendous strength.  We must learn to recognize this diversity as the valuable asset that it is.  If we fail to do so, we will waste an enormous amount of talent and resources.  That is a waste which our country cannot afford and which I will not tolerate.

I regard our diversity as a powerful tool that can help us meet the intelligence challenges of the coming century.  That is why I have made advancing diversity within our Agency and Community an important part of my Strategic Direction planning.  I am determined to increase the diversity of our workforce and to use the many talents of the men and women who are already with us to optimum advantage.” 

George Tenet
Former Director of Central Intelligence
Statement On Diversity
February 1999