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Equal Protection Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I) Anti-Discrimination Policies

The Equal Protection Clause is a section of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution that provides that "no state shall...deny to any citizen within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the... more +
The Equal Protection Clause is a section of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution that provides that "no state shall...deny to any citizen within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Essentially, the Equal Protection Clause provides that the government must treat an individual the same way that it treats other individuals in the same circumstances. The 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause applies only to state governments, but the requirements of the clause apply to the federal government through the Due Process Clause of the 5th Amendment. less -
Wiley Rein LLP

DOJ Clarifies Administration’s Stance on What Constitutes “Illegal DEI”

Wiley Rein LLP on

On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memorandum titled “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination” (the Memorandum) that provides clarity on what the...more

Bracewell LLP

Diversity Programs Could Mean Defunding, New Attorney General Memorandum Warns

Bracewell LLP on

Federal law has long required recipients of federal funds to comply with anti-discrimination laws. Over the last decade, initiatives under the label Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) became a widespread vehicle for...more

McGuireWoods LLP

DOJ Issues Guidance to Recipients of Federal Funding for Compliance With Federal Antidiscrimination Laws

McGuireWoods LLP on

On July 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination, warning that many programs and initiatives labeled as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion...more

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Attorney General Bondi Issues Guidance to Recipients of Federal Funding “Regarding Unlawful Discrimination”

While some aspects of the Guidance reflect longstanding interpretations of federal antidiscrimination law, it signals an important shift in enforcement priorities. The Guidance states that the use of race-neutral criteria is...more

Husch Blackwell LLP

DOJ Issues Sweeping Memorandum on Unlawful Discrimination

Husch Blackwell LLP on

On July 29, 2025, the U.S. attorney general released a new memorandum providing guidance on the application of federal antidiscrimination laws for recipients of federal funding—including private and public colleges and...more

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Attorney General Issues Memorandum on Unlawful Discrimination for Recipients of Federal Funds

- What is new: The Office of the U.S. Attorney General issued important guidance clarifying that any policy or practice distinguishing based on protected characteristics may violate federal antidiscrimination laws, including...more

Latham & Watkins LLP

DOJ Issues Guidance on “Unlawful Discrimination”

Latham & Watkins LLP on

The guidance reflects a key step in the administration’s broader strategy to root out DEI efforts in the private sector....more

Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC

Federal District Court Issues Partial Injunction of DEI Executive Orders

On Feb. 21, 2025, the federal district court for the District of Maryland issued a preliminary injunction partially enjoining two of President Trump’s executive orders: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and...more

Allen Matkins

Does Chicago's Municipal Code Make Everyone A Minority?

Allen Matkins on

Recent posts have discussed a registration statement filed Bally's Chicago, Inc. for an offering that would impose a stockholder qualification based on race, gender and ethnic status.  This qualification requirement is...more

CDF Labor Law LLP

Attorney General Issues Memo Stating that Illegal DEI and DEIA Programs in Private Sector Will Be Prosecuted

CDF Labor Law LLP on

The day after her nomination was confirmed last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum to all Department of Justice employees on Wednesday, February 5th, stating that the USDOJ’s Civil Rights Division will begin...more

Venable LLP

Illinois Law Requiring Certain Not-For-Profits to Disclose Demographic Data Challenged in Federal Court

Venable LLP on

Illinois' General Not-For-Profit Corporation Act (Act) was amended to begin requiring certain Illinois not-for-profits to annually report on the demographics of their governing bodies as of January 1, 2025....more

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

The Trump Transformation – Major Shifts in EEOC and Employment Law

Less than 24 hours after assuming the presidency, Donald Trump announced significant changes in the leadership and focus of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), as well as other policy changes which will...more

Rumberger | Kirk

Should Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies Vanish After Landmark Supreme Court Ruling?

Rumberger | Kirk on

Last June, the United States Supreme Court held in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard Coll that affirmative action policies at universities violate the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause...more

Jones Day

It's Time for a Fresh Look at DEI Metrics in Executive Compensation

Jones Day on

The Background: It is estimated that over 84 percent of companies in the S&P 1500 use some form of "social" metric when determining their executives' incentive compensation. Many of these social metrics set forth diversity,...more

Foley Hoag LLP

The Impact of the SFFA Decision: Lessons for Employers

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On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated decision in SFFA v. Harvard College and SFFA v. University of North Carolina. While the Court’s ruling has fundamentally altered the landscape for higher...more

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