In his inaugural address on Monday, January 20, 2025, President Trump declared, “We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based.” In the days that followed, President Trump has proceeded to issue a series of executive orders in quick succession, many of which specifically seek to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives in both the private sector and the federal government. In addition, President Trump rescinded nearly 80 executive orders issued by President Biden, many of which relate to DEI.

Below is an overview of some of President Trump’s and his appointees’ recent actions that employers should be aware of when reviewing and evaluating their own policies and practices pertaining to DEI:

Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing

Within hours of his taking office, President Trump issued an Executive Order entitled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” The Order specifically takes aim at Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government), issued by President Biden, which in turn repealed Trump’s 2020 ban on racial bias trainings for federal agencies and contractors.

The new Executive Order mandates the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”), in conjunction with the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (“OPM”), to terminate all “illegal DEI and ‘diversity,...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxQbnM5MWlfTkI5LWdickp3MGh5...