Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives and programming continue to be a priority for employers and are often reflected in employers’ public statements, hiring practices, and employee trainings. However, recent legal developments indicate that these programs and initiatives may be subject to increased scrutiny. Specifically, the June ruling from the Supreme Court on affirmative action in the higher education space and the uptick in “reverse” employment discrimination claims show a potential trend toward increasing challenges to such programs.
Read MoreLast week, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping” (the “Order”), which impacts federal agencies, federal contractors, and federal grantees. Specifically, the order prohibits federal contractors from using “any workplace training that inculcates in its employees any form of race or sex stereotyping . . . or scapegoating”.
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