FBI email instructs employees not to promote Pride Month on bureau time: 'Focused only on our core mission'

"I've received several questions about the FBI's stance on Pride Month and what related activities FBI divisions and employees should or should not participate in," FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson said in an email obtained by Fox News Digital addressed to assistant directors in charge and special agents in charge on Thursday morning. 

"So, I want to take the opportunity to make FBI leadership's expectations clear: There should be no official FBI actions, events, or messaging regarding Pride Month."

The email explains that employees are "free to do as you like" in their "personal capacity" or "on your own time."

"But on FBI time, using FBI resources and your Bureau affiliation, you and your divisions are expected to take no official actions or issue any specific messaging," Williamson said, adding that the "stance in no way lessens the FBI's commitment to serve and protect every American in our country or welcoming colleagues from all walks of life."

"What it does mean is ensuring that the American people see we are focused only on our core mission."

The FBI did not respond to a request for comment. 

The Biden administration faced criticism from conservatives in recent years after the White House and departments vocally supported Pride Month, which is observed for the month of June, with formal celebrations.