Trump executive order seems to “try to” discriminate against woman and minorities in federal hiring



On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order that revoked Executive Order 11246, a 60-year-old measure that prohibited discrimination in federal hiring practices

This action marks a significant shift in federal employment policies and civil rights protections.

Revocation of EO 11246: The new order explicitly revokes Executive Order 11246, which was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965

This longstanding order had banned discriminatory practices in hiring and employment for government contractors and affirmed the government’s commitment to affirmative action.

Elimination of DEI Programs: The order calls for the termination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. It directs agencies to end policies or programs prioritizing DEI in hiring, contracting, or other activities.

Emphasis on Merit-Based Hiring: The Trump administration contends that this new order will promote merit-based hiring practices and enforce civil rights laws that protect against discrimination.

It’s crucial to understand that prioritizing merit-based hiring cannot coexist with discriminatory practices. Allowing such biases means federal hiring authorities might choose a man over a more qualified woman simply because of his gender. This perpetuates discrimination and undermines the principles of fairness and equality in the workplace.

Impact on Federal Contractors: The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs within the Department of Labor is instructed to cease promoting diversity and holding contractors responsible for taking affirmative action/

Immediate Effects

  1. Federal DEI Staff on Leave: All federal employees involved in DEI initiatives were to be placed on paid administrative leave by 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
  2. Removal of DEI Materials: Agencies were instructed to remove all promotional materials related to DEI programs.
  3. Reporting Requirements: Federal agencies were required to compile a list of DEI offices and employees by Thursday, January 23, and submit plans for implementing layoffs in DEI offices by January 31, 2025.

Question: What if someone hired via DEI four years ago is outperforming peers who were not part of DEI?

Broader Implications

This executive order is part of a larger campaign by the Trump administration to dismantle diversity and inclusion initiatives across the federal government

The administration argues that these programs led to discrimination and undermined national unity. The order also signals potential changes for the private sector. It directs the Justice Department to propose recommendations within 120 days to encourage the private sector to discontinue similar diversity efforts. This action has sparked debate about the future of affirmative action and diversity initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

While supporters of the order argue it promotes fairness and merit-based opportunities, critics contend it could roll back decades of progress in addressing systemic inequalities.

As this order takes effect, it is likely to face legal challenges and may lead to significant changes in federal employment practices and contractor relationships with the government.

Latest