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Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," which rescinded Executive Order 11246. Originally enacted in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, EO 11246 prohibited federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin,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

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U.S. leaders promise to fight to maintain freedoms for Black Americans during Juneteenth celebration

U.S. leaders are promising to fight against attacks aimed at fundamental freedoms the Black community has fought hard to obtain. This comes as the country observes Juneteenth as a federal holiday which was signed into law as a federal holiday in 2021.

During a star-studded performance at the White House this week honoring Juneteenth, President Joe Biden stated: "As the past few years remind us, our freedoms have been put at risk by racism that's still too powerful a force."

Vice President Kamala Harris also criticized legislative efforts to restrict access to voting, reproductive freedom, and the right to learn U.S. history in full.

Black Americans' freedoms are a concern shared by civil rights leaders and activists who are working together to plan a concentrated effort in the South to fight what they perceive to be efforts to stifle the power of the Black vote.

In Atlanta, Georgia, a number of organizations and community leaders came together earlier this month to discuss a variety of issues affecting Black and brown communities. Discussions will range from restrictive voting laws, to the attempt to prohibit books about the history of racism in the U.S.

According to Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, "we've always had to address the attacks on our rights and our freedoms, and that's where we are."

Ream more at Yahoo news.