News & Analysis as of

Equal Protection Diversity and Inclusion Standards (D&I) Federal Funding

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”

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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

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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

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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

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart,...

New DOJ Guidance Identifies Unlawful DEI Practices That Could Result in Revocation of Federal Funding

On July 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released new guidance to all federal agencies clarifying what types of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and policies would be considered illegal...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

Cozen O'Connor

Republican AGs Call for End to Federal DBE Program

Cozen O'Connor on

20 Republican AGs filed an amicus brief in support of a proposed consent order that would end federal enforcement of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program (DBE), which requires federal transportation fund recipients...more

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart,...

U.S. Department of Education’s ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter Prohibiting DEI and FAQs Document Challenged in Federal Court

On March 5, 2025, the National Education Association (NEA) and its New Hampshire affiliate (NEA-NH) sued the U.S. Department of Education, challenging a recently issued “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) that informed schools that...more

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

U.S. Department of Education’s Guidance Clarifies Discriminatory Activities Subject to Investigation and Funding Consequences

Dorsey & Whitney LLP on

Following its February 14, 2025, “Dear Colleague Letter,”outlining DEI programs that could result in a loss of federal funding by February 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (the “Department”)...more

Pullman & Comley - School Law

OCR, DEI and Connecticut Schools – Sorting Through a Legal Minefield

If nothing else, the early days of the Trump administration 2.0 have been a whirlwind of legal activity.  Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have of course been at the forefront and on February 14, 2025 the federal...more

Venable LLP

This is Not a Drill: Trump Administration 'Dear Colleague' Letter Virtually Eliminates Consideration of Race in Higher Education

Venable LLP on

On February 14, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued a new "Dear Colleague" letter to "clarify and reaffirm the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance...more

McGlinchey Stafford

Trump on Education: DOE Targets DEI, Threatens Federal Funding

McGlinchey Stafford on

On February 14, 2024, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Department of Education (DOE) issued a “Dear Colleague” letter threatening the federal funding of any academic institution that considers race in any manner...more

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