As the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grapples with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, it has come under fire for its recent diversity training initiative.

The agency, responsible for leading the response to natural disasters, is currently dealing with over 1,000 missing Americans following the catastrophic fires. Yet, amidst this crisis, FEMA has mandated a three-hour diversity training for its employees, sparking controversy and criticism.

The training, which argues white supremacy is “ingrained in nearly every system and institution in the U.S.,” has been met with skepticism.

Chauncia Willis, CEO of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management, delivered the training live to FEMA employees months ago.

The presentation was recorded and played back to employees, with pauses for small group discussions.

Willis’ presentation challenged the common perception of white supremacists as outspoken extremists or domestic terrorists, arguing that such stereotypes overlook the white supremacists hiding in everyday environments like workplaces and schools.

However, the training is not mandatory for all. FEMA Resilience employees have the option to choose among three different modules.

Despite this, the agency requires two trainings for all employees: “Civil Rights and FEMA Disaster 2023” and “Including People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs in Disaster Operations.”

While FEMA’s commitment to instilling equity in emergency management is commendable, the timing of these trainings has raised eyebrows. The agency is currently facing criticism for its handling of the Hawaii wildfires.

As many as 1,100 people remain unaccounted for, and FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell struggled to provide a clear explanation for this alarming statistic.

Adding fuel to the fire, President Joe Biden has also faced scrutiny for his delayed response to the Maui wildfires.

After initially addressing the disaster, he went four days without commenting on it and has repeatedly refused to answer media inquiries about the situation. His brief visit to Hawaii, lasting less than six hours, did little to quell the rising discontent.

Further controversy arose when FEMA was criticized for housing hundreds of its employees in five-star resorts in Hawaii, far from the disaster sites.

The luxurious accommodations, costing $1,000 per night, were deemed “selfish” by local government employees who argued that the agency should be closer to the disaster site.

While FEMA’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are noteworthy, the timing and execution of these initiatives amidst a major crisis have led to significant backlash.

As the agency continues to navigate the fallout from the Hawaii wildfires, it must balance its commitment to equity with its primary responsibility of effective disaster management.