Lest the forest got lost in the trees, we are wrapping up this series of articles on the Trump Executive Orders on affirmative action (AA) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to highlight the key takeaways for employers. 1. Employment
Levy Employment Law Blog
Blog Authors
Latest from Levy Employment Law Blog
DEI in Crisis Part VII: Be Reflective and True to Your Core
“Resist. Do not capitulate.” “Keep doing what you’re doing. Just call it something else.” I see these posts and I cringe that they are missing the mark. If you want to dig your heels in, play around with titles that…
DEI in Crisis Part VI: Initial Federal Responses Follow Orders, Halt Initiatives
The week of January 20, 2025 brough a series of executive orders, all collectively attacking diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal government and as far as federal authority can reach into the actions of the private sector.…
DEI in Crisis Part V: Gender Identity Erased and Reconstituted as Sex Discrimination
Recognition of gender identity and gender expression, and opportunities for transgender individuals, have become a particular focus of attack under the new administration’s general targeting of DEI programs. Invoking the prohibition against sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil…
DEI in Crisis Part IV: How Employers Should – and Should Not – Structure DEI Efforts
State and local bar and medical associations are among the organizations expressly called out by the Trump Executive Order issued on January 21, 2025, directing the Attorney General to “deter unlawful DEI programs” including by identifying up to nine potential…
DEI in Crisis Part III: Protections for the Disabled and Veterans Still Survive
Affirmative action requirements still exist with respect to two groups of individuals under federal law – veterans and individuals with disabilities – notwithstanding a recent Trump Executive Order that revoked the underpinnings of affirmative action with respect to other groups.…
DEI in Crisis Part II: What Is Now Gone, What Is Targeted, and New Mandates for Federal Contractors and Grant Recipients
Sweeping changes have come about as a result of a new Trump Executive Order entitled, “Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity – The White House.” The primary impact will be felt by federal government contractors and grant recipients, who…
DEI in Crisis: Setting the Stage
Scrolling through the notes on my phone yesterday, I appreciated for the first time just how many times and in how many different ways I have endeavored to approach the swinging pendulum of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives over…
DEI in Crisis Part I: Falling Like a House of Cards
With a single penstroke, just one day after taking office, the leader of one branch of the U.S. government singlehandedly ended 60 years of government infrastructure, private industry reporting requirements, and untold numbers of programs associated with affirmative action (AA)…
Workplace Investigations: Hearsay May Be Compelling in “No Witness” Harassment Complaints
Two people were alone in a room, where one reportedly experienced unwelcome conduct – perhaps a kiss, a grope, a sexual assault, or even a rape – and the other denies, or is expected to deny, the conduct. There were…