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Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," which rescinded Executive Order 11246. Originally enacted in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, EO 11246 prohibited federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin,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.