The Trump administration took decisive action to end affirmative action in federal contracting on Tuesday. Additionally, it directed that all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff be placed on paid leave, with plans to eventually lay them off.
This shift follows an executive order Trump signed on his first day, aiming to dismantle federal government programs related to diversity and inclusion. The order targets various initiatives, including anti-bias training and funding for minority farmers and homeowners. Trump has labeled these programs as “discrimination” and is focused on restoring “merit-based” hiring.
Revoking Affirmative Action
Trump’s new executive order revokes one established by President Lyndon Johnson. It also curtails DEI programs for federal contractors and grant recipients. This action directly challenges one of the key tools the Biden administration used to promote DEI through federal contractors, reversing the previous push to expand such programs.
Key Memo from the Office of Personnel Management
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo on Tuesday, directing agencies to take immediate steps to comply with the new directive. The memo instructs agencies to place all DEI staff on paid leave by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Additionally, they must remove any public DEI-related webpages by the same deadline.
The memo also mandates the cancellation of DEI-related training and the termination of related contracts. Federal workers are urged to report any renamed DEI programs to the OPM within ten days, or face potential consequences.
Federal Agencies’ Compliance Deadline
By Thursday, federal agencies must submit a list of DEI offices and staff as of Election Day. By the following Friday, they must present a plan to implement a “reduction-in-force action” against DEI staff.
Dismantling DEI Programs: A Nationwide Shift
The move to dismantle DEI programs aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to challenge DEI efforts across the country. Earlier, Trump signed an executive order accusing the Biden administration of promoting “discrimination” through DEI programs. His latest order takes action to undo much of Biden’s DEI progress.
Key Areas Targeted by Trump’s Executive Order
Trump’s executive order focuses on several significant areas:
- Diversity Offices and Training: The order eliminates federal diversity offices and cancels any DEI-related training programs across federal agencies.
- Federal Grant and Benefits Programs: The order calls for a government-wide review of federal contracts and grants. The goal is to eliminate programs that conservative activists believe unfairly favor racial minorities and women.
- Pay Equity and Hiring Practices: Trump’s administration may target Biden’s policies on pay equity. These rules prevent federal agencies from asking about an applicant’s salary history, aiming to address gender and racial pay gaps.
Challenges in Implementation
Although Trump’s actions are bold, implementing such drastic changes will be difficult. Many DEI policies are deeply ingrained in federal agencies. Noreen Farrell, the executive director of Equal Rights Advocates, warned that dismantling these programs would be a lengthy and complex process. Furthermore, some of Biden’s DEI initiatives, such as expanding federal employment for people with criminal records, enjoyed bipartisan support.
Navigating Challenges Ahead
While Trump’s executive order signals a significant shift in federal diversity and inclusion policy, its implementation will face practical and political hurdles. The administration will need to navigate these challenges carefully to achieve its anti-DEI goals.
