Trump Revokes Executive Order 11246: The End of Affirmative Action for Federal Contractors

On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," which rescinded Executive Order 11246. Originally enacted in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, EO 11246 prohibited federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and mandated affirmative action to promote equal employment opportunities.

The new executive order eliminates the requirement for federal contractors to maintain affirmative action programs. The Trump administration argues that such programs lead to discrimination and undermine merit-based hiring practices.

Critics contend that revoking EO 11246 threatens decades of progress in promoting workplace diversity and addressing systemic discrimination. They express concern that this move could lead to decreased representation of minorities and women in various industries.

Despite the revocation, protections against employment discrimination remain under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin in workplaces with 15 or more employees, including federal contractors. However, the removal of affirmative action requirements may result in fewer proactive measures to address inequities in hiring and workplace diversity.

This development has sparked a broader debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in both the public and private sectors. Some companies are reevaluating their DEI initiatives in response to the changing federal stance, while advocacy groups continue to emphasize the importance of such programs in promoting equal opportunity.

New African Centered Charter School To Open Fall 2024

 APPLETON — At a time in the country when politicians are calling to eliminate school subjects dealing with Black History and anything that "would cause other students to feel uncomfortable," there seems to be a glimmer of hope from a city of about 75,000. Nestled in the heart of the Fox River Valley in Wisconsin is the city of Appleton, where big things are happening.

On the 27th of November, the Appleton Area School District (AASD) Board of Education voted in favor of including a new African-centered charter school in the district. The AASD encourages the startup of charter schools because it understands charter schools can address the specific needs of students. What separates this new charter school from others in the district is it plans on including African and African American history and culture in its STEEAM curriculum which consists of Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Math.

Named "The Ọmọladé Academy" it will be administrated by African Heritage Inc., a local non-profit with an interest in improving the success of African Americans. The Ọmọladé Academy plans on bridging the education gap by preparing their students to compete on both the global and local stage by teaching their kids to think what they refer to as 'glocally'.

Originally intended to serve K–3 students, the Ọmọladé Academy will eventually expand to accommodate K–5 students. The Ọmọladé Academy has its work cut out for it because the district usually has 16 months to establish a charter school fully operational and ready for usage. It has to be operational by September 2024, which gives it about eight months to complete the necessary tasks and be ready for the grand opening. We're optimistic that things will work out well since this institution is exactly what our country needs, and maybe other cities will decide to follow.

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