Executive Orders on DEI and Discrimination: 3 Things to Know

On January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration signed the Executive Orders “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” with the effect of law. Both Executive Orders have a broad scope and include mandatory changes to decades of law surrounding discrimination while rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for the federal and local governments.