By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
President Donald Trump repealed a landmark executive order from nearly 60 years ago that had prohibited government contractors from engaging in discriminatory practices in hiring, firing, promotions and pay.
In its place, Trump instituted a new requirement mandating contractors to certify that they do not operate what he described as “illegal” diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Trump also directed federal agencies to identify up to nine entities for federal investigations into their DEI policies, potentially targeting publicly-traded corporations, large nonprofits and major foundations.
Critics warn this reversal will harm historically marginalized groups, particularly Black Americans, who have benefitted from the safeguards provided by the now-defunct order.
U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-7) strongly criticized Trump’s decision, calling it “harmful.”
“These programs and the dedicated employees who administer them are deeply necessary to ensure government works for everyone in America, which is why I worked closely with the Biden-Harris administration and then-Ranking Member Raskin to center equity and justice in every administrative policy decision across federal agencies,” said Pressley.
“It is a fact that systemic oppression codified in our laws and budgets has harmed women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, those with disabilities and other underserved communities in this country,” she added.
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.-4) expressed similar concerns, emphasizing the detrimental effects on Black communities.
“Donald Trump has declared war on equal employment and contracting opportunities in the federal government for Black and Brown people, and for women,” Johnson stated. “He seeks to Make America Great Again by turning back the clock and dismantling decades of progress made by Black people in America since enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It won’t work.”
The rescinded executive order, originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson, had been a critical tool in addressing systemic discrimination. By applying to most large corporations and many smaller businesses—together representing about a quarter of the U.S. workforce—the order provided a mechanism for holding contractors accountable for equitable employment practices. Its provisions remained in effect through Democratic and Republican administrations, including Trump’s first term.
Now, businesses may feel compelled to abandon efforts aimed at fostering workplace diversity for fear of violating Trump’s new directive. This could disproportionately harm Black workers and other underrepresented groups by reducing access to equal opportunities in hiring and promotions.
Johnson argued that this executive order will undermine decades of civil rights progress and embolden discriminatory practices.
“ gives federal government officials and complicit federal contractors a green light to engage in discriminatory practices that exclude minorities and women from employment and contracting opportunities,” the Georgia lawmaker said in a statement.
“This order is a blatant step backwards, a reversal of 60 years of progress. It not only seeks to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in government, it represents a refusal to enforce the civil rights laws that protect minorities and women from systemic racism and its persistent effects that remain as barriers to equal opportunity,” he added.
The rescinded policy also empowered investigators to uncover hidden discriminatory practices within contracting firms, benefiting employees who might not have been aware they were victims of bias. Without this pressure, diversity initiatives that encouraged fair representation of Black Americans and other marginalized groups could face a steep decline across the economy.
Meanwhile, Pressley called on Republicans to join Democrats in pursuing bipartisan legislation that prioritizes fairness and opportunity for all.
Johnson echoed the need for continued advocacy.
“Every American deserves protection from discrimination and an equal opportunity to have a seat at the table. I will continue the fight for justice, fairness, and opportunity for all,” he said.
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