Executive Orders and Federal Actions
issued executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, demanding the dismantling of these initiatives across federal agencies and in federal contracting, including a revocation of a 1965 order protecting against discrimination based on various identities.
Federal employees in DEI roles were placed on paid leave, with orders to shut down related offices, cancel trainings, and remove DEI-focused web content. Agencies were tasked with reporting any attempts to disguise DEI programs.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The directive extends to scrutinizing DEI practices in large nonprofits, foundations, and universities, with a focus on ending what Trump labels as discriminatory practices. This move has sparked debates on merit-based hiring versus systemic inequities.
Critics argue that the repeal of DEI programs undermines progress towards a multiracial democracy and fails to address the needs of diverse populations. Supporters of DEI see it as essential for fostering inclusivity and addressing past discrimination.