EO 14173: The Future of Civil Rights Enforcement for Federal Contractors

As the sun sets on Executive Order 11246, a landmark directive that shaped affirmative action compliance for nearly 60 years, a new chapter in civil rights enforcement begins. Executive Order 14173, signed early in 2025, represents a fundamental shift—from mandate-driven affirmative action for women and minorities to a universal, merit-based approach to nondiscrimination for all…
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DOJ’s Case Against Epik Solutions Signals a Wake-Up Call for Federal Contractors in the EO 14173 Era

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a clear message with its announcement of a settlement with Epik Solutions, a California-based technology recruiting firm. The company was found to have violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by unlawfully preferring foreign H-1B workers over qualified U.S. applicants, a discriminatory practice that cost the firm nearly…
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Urgent: Former OFCCP & EEOC Experts Tackle Federal Contractor HR Questions in Recent Roundtable

If you didn’t make it to HR Unlimited Inc.’s recent virtual roundtable, “EO 14173 Virtual Roundtable: Stay Ahead of Compliance Risks,” here’s what you missed, and why you’ll want to reserve your spot at the next one. The Evolving Compliance Landscape Our April 30th session brought together top OFCCP and EEOC compliance experts to discuss…
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$8.1M False Claims Act Settlement Underscores EO 14173 Risks: Noncompliance Now Carries a Heavier Price

March 25, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced an $8.1 million settlement with Evolutions Flooring Inc., a California-based importer of multilayered wood flooring, and its owners, for violating the False Claims Act (FCA). The company was accused of knowingly evading millions in customs duties on imports from China, providing false information…
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EO 11246 Practices: A Shield Federal Contractors Can’t Afford to Drop

Risk & ROI of Continuing Nondiscrimination Practices Post-EO 11246 The Misconception With the revocation of EO 11246 and the introduction of EO 14173, some federal contractors are considering pausing internal nondiscrimination practices built over years. This is a costly mistake. The Reality EO 14173 still prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, gender, and other protected…
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