The DOJ’s Civil Rights Fraud Initiative (CRFI), launched in May 2025, marks a significant expansion of federal scrutiny over DEI programs among recipients of federal funds. The initiative leverages the False Claims Act and encourages whistleblowers to report potential civil rights violations tied to DEI practices. Early investigations have targeted major corporations and universities, with both federal and state authorities issuing civil investigative demands. Organizations are urged to proactively review their DEI policies, as increased enforcement and whistleblower activity are expected.

Read our full post in The Contractor’s Perspective.

Photo of Cormac Connor Cormac Connor

A former AUSA with substantial experience in private practice, Cormac defends individual and corporations facing criminal and civil investigations. Cormac is a trial lawyer with two decades of experience with high-stakes litigation and investigations, both as a prosecutor and as defense counsel. He

A former AUSA with substantial experience in private practice, Cormac defends individual and corporations facing criminal and civil investigations. Cormac is a trial lawyer with two decades of experience with high-stakes litigation and investigations, both as a prosecutor and as defense counsel. He has advised dozens of clients facing criminal and civil investigations involving all manner of federal criminal investigations, False Claims Act allegations, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act claims.

Photo of Matt Diehr Matt Diehr

Matt has both first-chair and second-chair trial experience defending individual and corporate clients against alleged violations of United States criminal and civil laws. Complementing Matt’s litigation practice, he has assisted a number of corporate clients in conducting independent investigations in response to allegations…

Matt has both first-chair and second-chair trial experience defending individual and corporate clients against alleged violations of United States criminal and civil laws. Complementing Matt’s litigation practice, he has assisted a number of corporate clients in conducting independent investigations in response to allegations of corporate or individual wrongdoing.

Photo of Michael Schrier Michael Schrier

In a diverse array of matters including Construction Litigation and Labor & Employment, Michael is a tenacious advocate for government contractors. He has extensive experience advising and litigating employment-related matters for federal contractors including Davis-Bacon Act, Service Contract Act, federal contractor Paid…

In a diverse array of matters including Construction Litigation and Labor & Employment, Michael is a tenacious advocate for government contractors. He has extensive experience advising and litigating employment-related matters for federal contractors including Davis-Bacon Act, Service Contract Act, federal contractor Paid Sick Leave, federal contractor minimum wage, and OFCCP matters.