President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs established by the Biden administration.
According to the Daily Caller, President-elect Donald Trump is poised to remove all DEI-focused initiatives across various federal government sectors previously instituted under President Joe Biden.
On his first day in office, President Joe Biden made a significant move by signing an executive order that established a government-wide equity agenda. This push included a June 2021 mandate requiring federal agencies to integrate DEI training and principles within their hiring and promotion processes.
Trump's intentions, as indicated by his election campaign, include reinstating a September 2020 executive order that opposed racial and sex stereotyping. This past order, which was rescinded by Biden upon his presidency, may reappear as Trump's administration looks to revise existing DEI strategies within federal hiring, internal training, and even grant funding.
Legal challenges have been a significant aspect of the DEI narrative. Under Biden's administration, agencies like the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) have faced legal scrutiny. In fact, a March ruling by a federal judge deemed some of their practices unconstitutional. Furthermore, Trump’s administration might see shifts in educational policies directly influenced by federal powers over accreditation and funding. The secretary of education under Trump could potentially realign practices concerning DEI and university admissions.
In addition, Gail Heriot, an outspoken critic of current DEI policies, has urged for a swift withdrawal of Biden’s extensive DEI orders. She described these measures as deeply embedded "in every nook and cranny of the executive branch of government."
They have disclosed a pronounced focus on the financial aspects of federal DEI engagements. Additionally, reports highlight that initiatives like those at the National Science Foundation accounted for over ten percent of grant allocations aimed at promoting DEI under the previous administration.
Meanwhile, "The Dismantle DEI Act of 2024," a proposed piece of legislation, seeks to end federal DEI programs and restrict related federal grant and contract funding. Advocates of the act argue that it is crucial for reestablishing a focus away from identity-based funding allocations.
In response, the Trump administration's strategy likely includes the Department of Justice’s Office of Civil Rights. Here, programmatic changes might enforce stricter compliance with non-discriminative practices impacting schools, employers, and nonprofits. Notably, the Biden administration previously took legal action against certain discriminatory hiring standards in police and fire departments.
William Jacobson, a legal scholar, emphasizes the importance of administrative power.
First and foremost, the Trump administration needs to use its power over federal agencies and programs to enforce existing rules against discrimination in funding, grants, and contracting. While considering restructuring, it should ensure the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights promptly and forcefully acts on complaints of DEI discrimination.
This comprehensive approach also includes potential repeals, such as the 1991 Amendment to Title VII, which addresses policies that disproportionately impact minorities.
In his broader vision, Trump aspires to be remembered for creating a more racially neutral America. Giancarlo Canaparo, a legal analyst, highlighted the significance of this campaign against "woke discrimination." He argues that not only high-profile cases but also smaller entities should face scrutiny, adding a powerful signaling effect across the board.
At some point in the future, Democrats are going to control all those agencies again, and if these tools are on the table, they’re going to use them.
In conclusion, Trump's administration is expected to make significant efforts that will create shifts in how DEI is approached within federal government practices and beyond. These moves are likely to impact legal standards, educational policies, and funding mechanisms potentially altering the landscape of federal affirmative action and equity agendas for years to come.
