Amid a wave of executive orders from former President Donald Trump, concerns arose over his decision to rescind key policies designed to combat discrimination. One of the most significant actions was revoking a landmark 1965 executive order on employment discrimination. While this move does not make discrimination legal, it raises serious concerns about weakening workplace protections against bias and inequality.
Trump Revokes 1965 Anti-Discrimination Executive Order
As previously reported by Blavity, Trump rolled back multiple diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and rescinded an executive order issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. That order—Executive Order 11246: Equal Employment Opportunity—prohibited federal contractors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
Johnson’s order also mandated affirmative action policies to ensure fair hiring and workplace treatment. However, Trump’s decision not only overturned this executive order but also rescinded additional anti-discrimination protections established by Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Did Trump Make Discrimination Legal?
Despite widespread concern, Trump’s actions do not repeal federal anti-discrimination laws. Some sources have misinterpreted the 1965 executive order as an “Act,” but there is a crucial distinction.
- Acts, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, are laws passed by Congress—and cannot be revoked by a president through executive orders.
- Trump’s actions do not change these laws, which continue to prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
While racial discrimination remains illegal, Trump’s move weakens enforcement mechanisms, particularly for federal contractors, and signals a shift in government priorities.
A Shift in Federal Priorities
Although Trump’s executive actions do not legalize discrimination, they undermine federal agencies’ ability to enforce anti-discrimination laws effectively. His administration’s stance that DEI and affirmative action policies create “illegal discrimination” has fueled opposition to diversity-focused initiatives in workplaces, universities, and corporations.
By eliminating DEI programs from the federal government, Trump has emboldened efforts to dismantle similar policies in private institutions. This shift raises concerns about the long-term impact on workplace equity and civil rights protections.
What’s Next?
While Trump’s actions have sparked controversy, they have not overturned existing anti-discrimination laws. However, they have created an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding federal commitment to enforcing equal employment protections. As legal experts and advocacy groups continue to monitor these developments, it remains crucial to stay informed about how future administrations may reinforce—or further dismantle—workplace protections.
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