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…
Read More

Google’s $50M Bias Settlement Puts Federal Contractors on Notice

On May 9, 2025, Google agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by over 4,000 Black employees who alleged the company engaged in systemic racial discrimination. The lawsuit was originally filed on March 2022 by former Google recruiter April Curley with the Civil Rights Department of the State of California. Curley…
Read More

The EO 14173 Imperative: Using Data to Detect Discrimination Is No Longer Optional, It’s Essential

In today’s workplace, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than values — they are business imperatives. Under Executive Order 14173, federal contractors and subcontractors are required to analyze their employment practices and certify that their workplaces are free from discrimination. One of the most effective ways to meet these obligations and advance workplace fairness…
Read More