President Donald Trump has recently sparked widespread debate and concern with an executive order that many believe reverses decades of progress in employment equity. The order, issued on January 21, 2025, has raised questions about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the broader implications for civil rights protections in the workplace. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the situation.

What Is the Equal Employment Act?

The term “Equal Employment Act” often refers to policies derived from key civil rights legislation, particularly President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order 11246. Signed on September 24, 1965, this order required federal contractors to ensure equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, and other employment practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It built upon the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, both of which aimed to dismantle systemic discrimination.

Over the decades, this executive order has served as a cornerstone for affirmative action policies and anti-discrimination enforcement in federal contracting. It has also been a model for private-sector diversity initiatives.

Did Trump Revoke the Equal Employment Act?

In short, Trump’s executive order effectively nullifies Executive Order 11246 and related policies, which have been pivotal in fostering workplace diversity and preventing discrimination. His directive goes further, requiring federal agencies to:

• Terminate...

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