Trump’s Executive Orders on DEI and Disparate Impact, and the Impact on the EEOC: What’s It Really Mean?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been a focus of many U.S. corporations, healthcare institutions, education, for-profit, and non-profit organizations since the Civil Rights Act. That said, historical events have created labor rights, gender rights, disability rights, and others that have pushed for a more diverse workforce. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have not been clearly defined by this administration and are not defined by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  DEI, however, currently defined, does not change discrimination and harassment civil rights law, but raises issues related to disparate impact. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) will work in tandem to lead Trump’s EO compliance. EO is an expression of the Executive Branch policy, andthe administration does not recognize claims of conduct investigations, administrative enforcement actions, or litigation based on disparate impact. 

• Identify what Trump’s EO tells federal agencies about influencing civil rights enforcement
• To define the Disparate Impact theory
• To differentiate between disparate impact and disparate treatment
• To discuss how DEI policies, practices, and programs may be unlawful
• To list the steps employees need to take if they experience discrimination related to DEI at work

• HR Professionals
• Compliance Officers
• Legal Counsel
• Diversity & Inclusion Officers
• Federal Contractors
• Corporate Executives
• Civil Rights Advocates
• Government Agency Staff
• Employee Relations Managers
• Organizational Development Leaders.

Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer and consultant. Her specialty areas include management/leadership development, organization development, communication, and harassment and bullying. She is an expert witness for discrimination and harassment lawsuits. She trains and consults with business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector. Dr. Strauss has authored over 30 book chapters, books, and articles in professional journals. She has been featured on 20/20, CBS Evening News, and other television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles. She has her doctorate in organizational leadership, is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services, a master’s degree in community health, and professional certificate in training and development.