DEI

03/10/2025

President Trump issued a far-reaching executive order on January 21, 2025 targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in not only the federal government but also in the private sector. While the order is already facing legal challenges, we recommend that you review and assess your policies to ensure you are compliant. Regarding best practices, multiple state attorney generals issued guidance to help businesses and organizations moving forward:
Recruitment and Hiring:

Prioritize widescale recruitment efforts to attract a larger pool of applicants from a variety of backgrounds.
Use panel interviews, which ensure that multiple people are involved in a hiring or promotion recommendation, helping to eliminate bias in the hiring process, and to ensure fair and objective decisions.
Set standardized criteria for evaluating candidates and employees focused on skills and experience to ensure that hiring is based on merit rather than subjective and biased judgements that can lead to discriminatory outcomes.
Ensure accessible recruitment and hiring practices and protocols, including reasonable accommodations as appropriate.

Professional Development and Retention:

Ensure equal access to all aspects of professional development, training, and mentorship programs that provide clear pathways for career growth.
Ensure equal access to all aspects of employment, including through reasonable workplace accommodations.

Please let us know if you have any questions about these new laws or assessing compliance with President Trump’s Executive Orders relating to DEI.