Combating Stereotyping (E.O. 13950)

Summary

Stops the government from funding workplace training that teaches ideas about race and sex that the order calls divisive, stereotyping, or scapegoating.

What problem does this solve?

Some diversity training in the government and private companies teaches ideas that cause division and blame. This order stops federal money from being used for any training that promotes these specific divisive ideas.

What does this order do?

Defines 'divisive concepts'

Lists specific ideas that are banned from trainings, such as one race being better than another or that the United States is fundamentally racist or sexist.

Bans certain training for federal contractors

Requires all government contracts to include a rule that the contractor will not use workplace training that teaches 'divisive concepts' to its employees.

Restricts training for military and federal employees

Forbids teaching or training any member of the military or any federal government employee any of the listed 'divisive concepts'.

Creates a complaint hotline

Directs the Department of Labor to set up a hotline to investigate complaints that federal contractors are using banned training programs.

Reviews federal grants

Requires federal agencies to review their grant programs and identify which ones can require recipients to promise not to use federal money for banned topics.

Requires review of all diversity training

Mandates that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) review all agency training programs related to diversity and inclusion to ensure they comply with the order.

Who does this affect?

Federal employees
U.S. military members
Federal contractors

What is the real world impact?

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Restricts speech on systemic inequality

Critics argue the order limits important discussions about systemic racism and sexism by labeling them 'divisive concepts.' It could prevent training that helps people understand different perspectives and historical inequalities.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on September 22, 2020, but new rules for government contracts start 60 days later.

Request for contractor information

Within 30 days (by October 22, 2020), the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must ask for information from contractors about their diversity and inclusion training.

New rules for government contracts

Starting 60 days after the order (November 21, 2020), all new government contracts must include the new rules banning certain training.

Agency report on grants

Within 60 days (by November 21, 2020), all federal agencies must report to the Office of Management and Budget which grant programs can be restricted.

Agency report on training spending

Within 90 days (by December 21, 2020), each agency must report its 2020 spending on diversity and inclusion training.