“Diversity” and “Lawful” Are Not Contradictory Terms

The Trump administration has issued several Executive Orders and undertaken other initiatives to challenge diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (“DEIA”) programs. Executive Order 14173 (“Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”) repeatedly references “illegal” DEI and DEIA policies. Yet, most of what employers’ programs do, and have been doing, were lawful and continue to be lawful. Nonetheless, considering the current stance against DEI/DEIA programs, many employers are wondering what DEI initiatives are legal and what are potentially illegal.

In this webinar, the attorneys from Roffman Horvitz will discuss federal anti-discrimination laws, EEOC guidance, the Department of Labor’s now rescinded regulations under Executive Order 11246, and recent guidance and communications from both federal and state government officials to provide a framework for assessing the legality of elements of employer efforts.