Former President Donald Trump has unleashed a wide-ranging assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, revoking a landmark 1965 executive order signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The move, part of a series of executive actions announced on his first day back in office, dismantles long-standing federal protections and extends scrutiny to private-sector DEI efforts, igniting fierce criticism from civil rights advocates.
Trump's executive order nullifies Johnson's directive, which required federal contractors to implement equal opportunity practices and refrain from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin. Johnson's order was issued against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement, following the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It served as a cornerstone in combating workplace discrimination and fostering diversity in federal contracting.
The Trump administration characterized the order as a necessary step to eliminate "illegal preferences and discrimination" under the guise of DEI programs. The directive calls for all federal agencies to identify discriminatory DEI practices within their ranks and in private entities benefiting from government contracts. It also mandates investigations into public companies, universities, and large non-profits with significant assets, potentially setting the stage for civil compliance actions.
Critics were quick to condemn the sweeping measures. Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families, called the rollback a significant erosion of civil rights protections. "It would significantly erode a civil rights enforcement tool that has been essential, in particular for women's progress," Frye told Axios. The move, she added, signals a lack of oversight and accountability for contractors engaging in discriminatory practices.
Trump's order also instructed federal departments to dismantle DEI offices, notifying employees they would be placed on paid leave as their programs are shuttered. The Office of Personnel Management directed agencies to complete the dismantling process by Wednesday, emphasizing the administration's urgency in implementing the policy shift.
In addition to targeting federal agencies, Trump issued a memorandum directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to halt diversity hiring programs. The White House defended the action, claiming it was necessary to ensure safety and job excellence in aviation. "President Trump is immediately terminating this illegal and dangerous program and requiring that all FAA hiring be based solely on ensuring the safety of airline passengers," the administration stated in a fact sheet.
Civil rights advocates argue that the rollback undermines decades of progress in addressing systemic inequities. Rev. William Barber, a prominent advocate, noted that Johnson's order was crafted in response to widespread discrimination and remains relevant today. "It sends a message and gives a green light to contractors that nobody is watching," Barber said, warning that the changes could exacerbate inequities.
The measures align with a broader conservative pushback against DEI initiatives, which some critics have characterized as discriminatory against white Americans. Stephen Miller's America First Legal group has filed lawsuits challenging corporate DEI programs, framing them as violations of civil rights laws. Trump's allies have similarly called for a reinterpretation of Civil Rights-era legislation to prioritize what they describe as "anti-white racism."
The private sector, already under pressure from conservative groups, may accelerate its retreat from DEI programs in response to Trump's directives. Corporations and universities are expected to face increased scrutiny, with federal agencies tasked with identifying potential violations of the administration's new mandate.
Basil Smikle Jr., a political strategist, criticized the administration's actions as a direct attack on marginalized communities. "There's this clear effort to hinder, if not erode, the political and economic power of people of color and women," Smikle said, cautioning that the rollback could foster cronyism and diminish opportunities for underrepresented groups.
