New England Biz Law Update
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders upon beginning his term as president that will have a significant impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and employment law enforcement.
Here is a review of the key actions:
Termination of federal DEI programs: An executive order mandates the elimination of DEI programs across all federal agencies. Agency heads are instructed to terminate DEI-related initiatives, training, policies, and contracts within 60 days. This move introduces uncertainty for agencies and stakeholders involved in federally funded DEI efforts.
Restructuring of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Andrea Lucas, the sole Republican-appointed Commissioner, has been appointed as the Acting Chair of the EEOC. This leadership change is expected to shift the agency’s focus, potentially affecting enforcement priorities and policies related to workplace discrimination and DEI initiatives.
Revocation of Executive Order 11246: The President repealed Executive Order 11246, which had prohibited federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin since 1965.
Impact of the changes
As a result of these changes, federal contractors should evaluate the need to modify or discontinue certain training programs and policies.
The implications for private companies remain to be seen. Changes for federal contractors often trickle down to private organizations.
With the EEOC’s leadership change, HR professionals should also monitor for updates on enforcement priorities and policy changes.
