President Donald Trump's recent actions to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government and beyond have reignited intense debates across the nation. Among his most controversial moves was the rescission of a nearly 60-year-old executive order originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson, which prohibited government contractors from engaging in discriminatory hiring, firing, and promotion practices. This landmark order had shaped workplace diversity policies across the country, extending its reach into nearly every major business sector.
Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Trump's recent executive actions. Appearing on CNN This Morning, Woodfin described the efforts as part of the "Alabama-fication" of the federal government. He criticized the dismantling of DEI initiatives, which he said disproportionately benefits White women and veterans, along with other marginalized groups.
"What message and who are you trying to communicate?" Woodfin asked. "It's beyond frustrating and disappointing. It just goes to show you that 47 told us what he would do, and he's doing it."
Trump's executive order, signed this week, requires government contractors to certify that they do not maintain what he called "illegal" DEI programs. It also mandates federal agencies to identify up to nine targets for investigations into potentially unlawful DEI practices, extending scrutiny to private corporations, large nonprofits, and major foundations.
The original order, known as Executive Order 11246, had long been a cornerstone of anti-discrimination efforts. While it explicitly prohibited quotas, preferences, or set-asides, it required companies with government contracts to file annual reports on employment practices. These filings often revealed discriminatory practices and, in many cases, resulted in compensation for affected employees. According to former Labor Department official Craig Leen, about a quarter of those who received compensation under the order were White males.
Leen, who oversaw enforcement of the order during much of Trump's first term, acknowledged concerns within conservative circles about alleged race- and gender-based hiring quotas. "There has been a concern on the Republican side for a long time, that sometimes [contractors] do have preferences and quotas," Leen said. However, he defended employer efforts to increase workforce diversity, noting that such efforts often enhance productivity and benefit the overall economy. "If you really want to do merit-based hiring ... you need to audit yourself every year. You need to make sure you're giving women the same opportunity to be promoted as men."
Critics argue that rescinding the order could embolden discriminatory practices. Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families, expressed concern that the lack of reporting requirements under the new policies will make it harder to uncover discriminatory practices. "Without Executive Order 11246, it will be harder for people to confirm that they're being discriminated against, and far fewer checks on employers who do practice discrimination, either consciously or unconsciously," Frye said.
The move has also stirred fears among businesses that have voluntarily embraced DEI initiatives. David Fortney, a former Labor Department official, said some employers are now reconsidering their diversity programs out of fear of violating unclear legal definitions. "They have to certify they do not have an illegal DEI program. That has not been defined within the four corners of the executive order," Fortney explained.
Trump framed his decision as a commitment to merit-based employment. "Hiring, promotions, and performance reviews will reward individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work and not, under any circumstances, DEI-related factors, goals, policies, mandates, or requirements," he stated. However, many critics argue that the move undermines decades of progress in addressing workplace discrimination and promoting inclusivity.
The rescission has also sparked broader concerns about its impact on American society. Woodfin pointed to Alabama's legislation that limits DEI programs and teachings on divisive concepts as a cautionary tale. "Americans are witnessing the Alabama-fication of federal government," he said. "There's no such thing as diversity being bad. America is a very diverse place."
Despite the controversy, a Fox News poll suggests that Trump's actions resonate with a significant portion of the electorate. According to the survey, 29% of voters believe it is "extremely important" for Trump to eliminate DEI programs in the federal government. Support for this position is highest among Republicans at 44%, compared to 16% of Democrats and 24% of independents.
