Some online discussions have started to interpret the implications of the employment act recently revoked by Donald Trump and what it truly means for workers.
After officially taking office on Monday, January 20, President Trump wasted no time settling into his new role.
Within hours of stepping back into the White House, Trump authorized 25 executive orders. Among them were decisions such as halting the TikTok ban, implementing changes to immigration laws, and asserting that there are “only two genders.”
However, one of the most contentious actions came on Tuesday, January 21, when he approved a proposal aimed at ending what he described as “radical and wasteful government diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programs.
The president has fast-tracked his initiative to dismantle DEI efforts, which involved revoking Executive Order 11246 from 1965. This move signals that DEI programs within the Department of Labor will be terminated “immediately,” and employees responsible for these programs may face paid leave, according to The New Republic.
The legislation was originally created to shield employees from workplace discrimination based on factors like race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
Supporters have long maintained that it ensures equal opportunities for marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
However, Trump’s executive order seeks to prevent companies from making hiring decisions influenced by race or gender.
The directive states: “As a part of this plan, each agency shall identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations of publicly traded corporations, large non-profit corporations or associations, foundations with assets of 500 million dollars or more, State and local bar and medical associations, and institutions of higher education with endowments over 1 billion dollars.”