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ARTICLE · 12 MARCH 2025

DOJ Issues New Directive On DEI

Foley Hoag LLP
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On February 5, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued fourteen memos outlining new policies for the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ").

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Emily Nash
Emily Nash
Kenny Peralta
Kenny Peralta
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On February 5, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued fourteen memos outlining new policies for the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ"). Among them is a memorandum entitled "Ending Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination and Preferences" ("Memorandum") outlining DOJ's intention to effectuate President Trump's January 21 Executive Order, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." As we have explained, the Executive Order interprets diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI") and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility ("DEIA") policies as violating civil rights laws and directs agencies to take enforcement action.

The Memorandum states that the DOJ's Civil Rights Division will "investigate, eliminate, and penalize illegal DEI and DEIA preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities in the private sector and in educational institutions that receive federal funds." The Memorandum further commits to providing a report to the

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