President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that annuls the affirmative action measures instated by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.
According to Breitbart, the new executive order eradicates diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in federal hiring and contracting, reverting to a system based on individual merit.
On Wednesday, President Trump officially repealed Executive Order 11246, set forth by President Johnson, ending a mandate that has directed federal contractors to engage in affirmative action for over five decades. This historical change refocuses federal employment and contracting policies on merit-based criteria, such as skills and performance.
The revocation addresses what the current administration terms "radical DEI" practices, alleging that such measures have led to discrimination in federal hiring and contracting sectors. The White House has thus mandated a thorough revision of the parameters under which the federal workforce is assembled and managed.
In alignment with the new order, federal hiring practices will now emphasize "individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work." This shift aims to establish a competency-driven environment within the federal workforce, moving away from considerations of race, sex, gender identity, sexual preference, or religion.
The implementation details provided by the Trump administration describe a streamlined process for federal contracting, orchestrated by the Office of Management and Budget. The goal is to cut down on bureaucracy and expenses, therefore enhancing operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs will no longer assert pressure on contractors to balance workforce demographics about the aforementioned categories, ensuring alignment with the newly established federal guidelines.
The administration believes that the previous DEI measures contrast with the strides made following the Civil Rights Act of 1964, advocating instead for a competence-based workplace that disregards race or color. According to a White House statement, the belief is that a merit-based approach reduces discrepancies and promotes equality.
In a rally on Sunday, just days before signing the executive order, President Trump emphasized his commitment to disbanding what he viewed as divisive and destructive mandates. "We’re going to stop the destructive and divisive Diversity Equity and Inclusion mandates all across government and the private sector and return our country to the merit system," declared Trump.
This stance is not new for Trump, who disclosed his intentions to phase out DEI practices early in 2023, following a Supreme Court decision that invalidated affirmative action in college admissions.
Following the previous presidential election, Breitbart News reported a noticeable decrease in DEI initiatives within the private sector, signaling a broader shift in employment and contracting practices influenced by federal policies.
The specific changes regarding federal contracting were further detailed in a White House fact sheet, which outlined ambitions to "streamline the federal contracting process to enhance speed and efficiency, reduce costs, and require Federal contractors and subcontractors to comply with our civil rights laws."
These new measures, supported by the administration's critique, mark a significant pivot in how governmental and contracted workforces are structured and managed, setting a precedent that may resonate beyond federal domains into private sector practices.
In conclusion, by rescinding Executive Order 11246 and implementing a new directive focused on merit-based hiring and contracting, President Trump aims to reshape the landscape of federal employment and contracting. His administration argues that this approach fosters fairness and efficiency without compromising civil rights, marking a return to meritocracy in public service and federal contracting.
This move not only impacts the governmental workforce but may also influence broader societal and organizational norms concerning employment and inclusion strategies.