Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

The President has issued an executive order to end illegal discrimination and restore merit-based opportunities in the United States. This order emphasizes the importance of longstanding Federal civil rights laws, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, that protect individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The President highlights the negative impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that prioritize identity-based preferences over individual merit and achievement. These policies are seen as undermining traditional American values and national unity.

Terminating Illegal Discrimination in the Federal Government

The executive order mandates all executive departments and agencies to terminate discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders, and requirements. Several previous executive orders promoting diversity and inclusion in the Federal workforce have been revoked. The Federal contracting process will be streamlined to enhance speed and efficiency while ensuring compliance with civil rights laws. Federal contractors and subcontractors are required to comply with anti-discrimination laws and avoid promoting DEI programs that violate these laws.

Encouraging the Private Sector to End Illegal DEI Discrimination

The order encourages the private sector to end illegal DEI discrimination and preferences. The heads of all agencies, with the assistance of the Attorney General, are tasked with advancing the policy of individual initiative, excellence, and hard work in the private sector. In consultation with relevant agencies, the Attorney General will submit a report containing recommendations for enforcing Federal civil rights laws and encouraging the private sector to comply. This report will include a strategic enforcement plan and identify key sectors of concern and potential civil compliance investigations.

Additional Actions and Provisions

The executive order includes additional actions to ensure compliance with civil rights laws in education and other sectors. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Education will issue guidance to educational institutions receiving Federal funds to comply with relevant court rulings. The order also outlines the severability of its provisions, ensuring that if any part is held invalid, the remainder will still be effective. It clarifies that the order does not apply to lawful preferences for veterans or prevent protected speech by State or local governments, Federal contractors, or educational institutions.

Implementation and General Provisions

The order will be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. It does not create any enforceable rights or benefits against the United States or its entities. The President emphasizes the importance of protecting civil rights and promoting individual merit, excellence, and hard work while ending illegal discrimination and preferences in both the public and private sectors.

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