Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

On November 20, 2025, Latham lawyers discussed compliance with anti-discrimination laws and potential enforcement risks.

By Danielle Conley, Jenna B. Cooper, Anne W. Robinson, and Jude Volek

As part of the evolving legal landscape under the Trump administration, the federal government is leveraging the False Claims Act (FCA) to target efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and other practices that allegedly implicate federal anti-discrimination laws. This approach could significantly impact private and publicly traded companies

The guidance reflects a key step in the administration’s broader strategy to root out DEI efforts in the private sector.

By Danielle Conley, Danielle J. McCall, Anne W. Robinson, Jude Volek, Rhea Marie Fernandes, and Catherine J. Yao

On July 29, 2025, US Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum that provides guidance for recipients of federal funding regarding “unlawful discrimination” on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics

The Department of Justice has established a new Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which will leverage the False Claims Act to investigate and pursue claims against recipients of federal funds who “knowingly violate civil rights laws.”

By Danielle Conley, Terra Reynolds, Anne W. Robinson, Jude Volek, and Savannah Burgoyne

In a memorandum dated May 19, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the establishment of a new Civil Rights Fraud Initiative (the Initiative) at the Department of

The Trump administration continued its focus on immigration and indicated progress in trade talks as this week marked the end of its first 100 days.

This week, President Trump issued several executive orders related to immigration, tariffs, and media bias. Meanwhile, the administration signaled that it has made progress in trade talks with various countries. Below is a high-level overview of the administration’s actions, broken down by topic, along with updates on related court challenges, personnel changes, and other breaking

The Trump administration continued to promote domestic critical mineral explorations and workforce development, while signaling progress in trade negotiations.

This week, President Trump issued several executive orders in furtherance of his policy aims, including orders relating to offshore critical minerals, workforce development, government efficiency, and civil rights. Meanwhile, the administration signaled a forthcoming trade deal with India.

Latham lawyers are carefully monitoring the rollout of President Trump’s policy priorities through executive orders, agency actions, and installment of new personnel. Below

The administration continues to roll back regulation while shifting its focus to trade, domestic production, and immigration.

This week, President Trump issued executive orders closing the Department of Education and invoking the Alien Enemies Act. Meanwhile, the administration continues its focus on DEI policies, while facing various lawsuits over its personnel, spending, and immigration actions.

Latham lawyers are carefully monitoring the rollout of President Trump’s policy priorities through executive orders, agency actions, and installment of new personnel. Below is a

The Trump administration continues to roll back policies on DEI and banking regulation while facing various lawsuits over its personnel, spending, and immigration actions.

This past week, the Trump administration continued to take action on DEI, barring certain DEI-related language from government contracts and closing an office within the EPA. It also rolled back Biden-era proposals to regulate banking and finance. Meanwhile, the administration continues to face litigation challenges in federal court, with judges blocking personnel actions, USAID spending freezes

Government contractors and subcontractors should be on the lookout for contract modifications as agencies begin implementing DEI-related Executive Orders.

By Dean W. Baxtresser, Danielle Conley, Kyle R. Jefcoat, Anne W. Robinson, Morgan Maddoux, Jude Volek, and Kiley Boland

The General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Defense (DOD) — the US government’s two leading procurement agencies — have each issued Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) class deviations implementing the recent executive orders related to Diversity

The administration continues to advance its agenda via executive orders amid confusion around rollbacks and rescissions.

This week, the Trump administration continued to sign several new executive orders imposing and rolling back new tariffs, and establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve, among others. President Trump also addressed a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, for the first time since retaking office. In his speech, the president highlighted the executive orders he has issued and outlined his vision for how

A Maryland federal judge refused to suspend or narrow the nationwide preliminary injunction against DEI-related executive orders.

On March 3, 2025, a federal court in Maryland denied the Trump administration’s request to stay or narrow a nationwide preliminary injunction that blocks enforcement of certain aspects of executive orders aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in both the public and private sector. The orders sought to terminate all federal government DEI programs and targeted illegal DEI practices in