Trump revokes landmark civil rights order on workplace discrimination and affirmative action

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On Wednesday, Trump issued an executive order rescinding Executive Order 11246, a historic anti-discrimination rule designed to ensure fair workplace practices for federal contractors. The rule, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, prohibits companies that receive federal contract funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. Executive Order 11246 is part of a broader legal effort to use federal contracts as a tool to improve workplace standards and advance civil rights across the country. One year after passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the rule explicitly requires federal contractors to take “affirmative action” to prevent discrimination against job applicants and employees. For sixty years, it has authorized the Department of Labor to enforce these standards through its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Trump’s executive actions ended those protections, describing them as outdated and labeling them “radical DEI,” short for diversity, equity and inclusion. Trump claimed in a statement that DEI programs promote “reverse discrimination” and claimed his decision was a step toward fairness in federal contracting. “Federal contractors will no longer be forced to balance their workforce based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, preference or religion,” Trump said in a statement. He called the rescission “the most significant federal civil rights measure in decades.” Executive Order 11246 is a groundbreaking labor standard based on the principles of the Civil Rights Act. Not only does it prohibit workplace discrimination, it also requires federal contractors to actively ensure equal employment opportunities for all workers. Over the years, it expanded to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. The order helps promote affirmative action across industries, shape hiring practices, and promote equity in the federal workplace. Civil rights advocates have long praised it as a cornerstone of anti-discrimination policy. Since returning to office, Trump has made repealing DEI initiatives a key policy priority, targeting programs at federal agencies, businesses and educational institutions. The latest move highlights his administration’s ongoing campaign to roll back affirmative action and diversity policies. The revocation of Executive Order 11246 leaves a significant gap in workplace protections for federal contractor employees. Like this: Like Loading… Discover more from Baller Alert Subscribe to have the latest posts delivered to your email.

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