End Discrimination EO (E.O. 14173)

Summary

Stops government agencies from using diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rules and pushes private companies to focus on merit instead.

What problem does this solve?

Many important groups in America, including the government, use diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that can be unfair and break civil rights laws. This order removes these DEI rules from the federal government and tells agencies to make sure private companies also follow laws that focus on skill and hard work.

What does this order do?

Revokes several previous executive orders

Cancels Executive Orders 12898, 13583, 13672, and 11246, which promoted environmental justice, diversity in the federal workforce, and equal opportunity for federal contractors.

Ends affirmative action for federal contractors

Stops requiring federal contractors to take 'affirmative action' and prohibits them from balancing their workforce based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics.

Removes DEI language from all federal processes

Orders the Office of Management and Budget to remove all terms related to DEI and equity from government-wide rules for buying goods, giving grants, and providing financial help.

Targets private sector DEI programs

Requires the Attorney General to develop a plan to investigate and potentially sue corporations, non-profits, and universities over their DEI initiatives.

Issues new guidance for schools and universities

Directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to tell schools and colleges how to follow the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. Harvard.

Who does this affect?

Federal government employees
Federal contractors and subcontractors
Private corporations, non-profits, and universities with DEI programs

What is the real world impact?

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Dismantles programs for underrepresented groups

Critics argue that ending DEI and affirmative action programs removes important tools for addressing historical and ongoing discrimination, potentially reducing diversity in government and key industries.

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Increases legal pressure on private companies

Directs federal agencies to investigate and potentially sue private companies, universities, and non-profits over their DEI programs, creating legal risks for organizations promoting diversity.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for agencies to act.

Report on private sector enforcement

The Attorney General must submit a report with a plan to enforce civil-rights laws against private sector DEI programs within 120 days of January 21, 2025.

Guidance for educational institutions

The Attorney General and Secretary of Education must issue guidance to schools and universities on complying with the Supreme Court's admissions ruling within 120 days of January 21, 2025.

Federal contractor transition period

Federal contractors have 90 days from January 21, 2025, to adjust to the new rules after the revocation of Executive Order 11246.