Washington, Jan 22, (V7N) – Former President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping overhaul of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, starting with an executive order dismantling affirmative action in federal contracting and cutting DEI-related programs across government agencies.

The executive order, signed Monday, revokes affirmative action policies introduced under President Lyndon Johnson and dismantles DEI initiatives promoted during the Biden administration. Trump's directive emphasizes "merit-based" hiring and calls DEI efforts a form of "discrimination."

End of Affirmative Action: Federal agencies are directed to review all grants and contracts to eliminate DEI preferences.

DEI Staff and Offices: DEI-focused employees are to be placed on leave and laid off, with all related public resources removed.

Grant and Program Review: Federal programs benefiting minority communities, such as funding for minority farmers, are under scrutiny for compliance with the anti-DEI agenda.

Federal agencies have been instructed to compile lists of DEI employees and submit layoff plans by next Friday.

DEI-related training and performance evaluations are being eliminated.

Supporters: Conservative groups welcome the move, arguing it ends "reverse discrimination."

Critics: Civil rights advocates warn of a rollback in protections for marginalized groups.

Noreen Farrell, Executive Director of Equal Rights Advocates, said, “The reality of implementing such massive structural changes is far more complex. Many policies are deeply embedded and can’t simply be switched off overnight.”

Experts suggest some Biden-era policies with bipartisan support, like initiatives to expand opportunities for individuals with criminal records, may survive. However, the rollback signals a seismic shift in federal policy, setting the stage for further legal and political battles.

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