Conflicting signals from federal agencies have prompted some employers to scale back or suspend DEI-related initiatives out of fear that such programs may be considered “illegal.” However, overcorrecting in this direction creates its own set of risks, especially under Title VII, which continues to prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, disability, national origin, age, and other…
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A recent court decision involving Starbucks offers an important lesson for federal contractors navigating today’s DEI scrutiny: even in a politically charged environment, courts still require specific evidence of actual harm — not assumptions, headlines, or generalized allegations. In the case, Missouri’s attorney general sued Starbucks, arguing that the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives unlawfully advantaged…
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PART II — Why Companies Outsource: The Free-Market Realities Shaping the Skilled Labor Crisis The federal push to bring jobs back to the United States cannot be understood in isolation. Employers do not outsource simply to cut corners, they outsource because global economic pressures, labor shortages, and structural educational barriers make it difficult to fill…
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This two-part article offers a clear and timely look at the forces reshaping today’s labor market. Part I examines the shifting regulatory expectations that are redefining employers’ compliance obligations, while Part II explores the free-market pressures that continue to drive companies toward global and outsourced talent. Together, these insights provide a comprehensive view of how…
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As 2026 approaches, the compliance landscape shaped by Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” is entering a more enforcement-focused phase. Based on the recent HR Unlimited Roundtable with former OFCCP and EEOC leaders, federal contractors must brace for a dramatic and high-stakes shift in anti-discrimination enforcement in 2026. The focus is…
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