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What does Trump's EEOC changes mean?

    February 12, 2025

    The Equal Employment Opportunity Act Changes Explained

     

    What Did Trump Change?

    Trump's new order, signed on January 21, 2025, eliminates many of these rules. Key changes include:

    • Ending Affirmative Action: Companies that work with the government are no longer required to create plans to hire more people from underrepresented groups.
    • Stopping DEI Programs: Federal agencies and contractors can no longer promote diversity, equity, or inclusion programs that focus on race, gender, or other identity-based preferences.
    • Focusing on Merit: Hiring and promotions now need to be based strictly on qualifications and performance.

     

    What Does This Mean for Businesses?

    For companies that work with the government, the changes create a lot of questions. Businesses that were in the middle of reviews or had agreements with the government to improve diversity may now need to pause and figure out their next steps.

    Legal experts suggest that these companies get advice from attorneys to understand what this means for them​.

    Federal contractors will also need to certify that they aren't running any programs that promote diversity in ways the government now considers unlawful. This may discourage companies from going above and beyond to support diversity in the workplace.

    What Happens Next?

    As businesses adjust to these changes, the debate over workplace diversity is far from over. Advocates for diversity are expected to continue pushing back against the new rules, while companies will need to navigate a new and uncertain compliance landscape.

     

    The Equal Employment Opportunity Act Explained: What Trump's Move Means - Newsweek

    Executive Order Targets Prohibitions Against Sexual Orientation And Gender Expression Discrimination - Employee Rights/ Labour Relations - United States

    Removing Gender Ideology and Restoring the EEOC’s Role of Protecting Women in the Workplace | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

     

    Commentary by: Raylea Stelmach

    Edited by:

     

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