DOJ Releases Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination

On July 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released long-anticipated guidance clarifying what federal law requires and prohibits when it comes to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While some may have expected a sweeping overhaul, the DOJ’s message was straightforward: employment decisions must be rooted in merit-based criteria, not identity-based preferences. …
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Staying Ahead of the Curve: Compliance Under EO 14173

A recent EEOC lawsuit shows why federal contractors must continue to be proactive in preventing workplace discrimination. A Wake-Up Call from the EEOC On Friday, July 18, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a $360,000 settlement with Frontier Hot-Dip Galvanizing, a Buffalo-based steel company. This case should concern every federal contractor. The…
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EO 11246 in Context: What Federal Contractors Need to Know About OFCCP’s Recent Invitation

The newly appointed Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has sent an email, June 27, 2025, inviting federal contractors to voluntarily report how they have wound down their compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11246. The letter asserts that EO 11246 encouraged discriminatory practices such as race- or sex-based quotas and implies…
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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…
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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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