What Is Equal Employment Opportunity Act Of 1965

US DESK: On January 20, President Donald Trump issued an executive order revoking the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1965, dismantling long-standing protections against workplace discrimination and affirmative action measures in federal employment.

Originally signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 24, 1965, the act aimed to expand opportunities and safeguard the rights of women, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups. It prohibited workplace discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, and marital or familial status. These provisions applied to federal contractors and followed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, serving as a key component of the nation’s civil rights advancements.

Trump’s executive order characterized such diversity and inclusion measures as “illegal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) discrimination and preferences.” His directive extended to the private sector, mandating federal agencies to enforce civil rights laws against DEI policies. “I further order all agencies to enforce our longstanding civil-rights laws and to combat illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs,” the order stated.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights organizations, who view it as a rollback of essential protections for marginalized communities.

For what reason did Trump repeal the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act?

During his 2024 campaign, President Trump blasted DEI hiring practices that proliferated following the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. He defended the repeal of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1965 in his executive order by claiming that it would put an end to “illegal preferences and discrimination” in hiring practices. The comprehensive measure is consistent with Trump’s pledge to establish a “colorblind” and “merit-based” society in the event that he is reelected to the presidency.

The executive order directs federal agencies to compile lists of businesses, colleges, and foundations for review and legal action regarding their DEI programs, and the Office of Personnel Management has instructed agency heads to place all DEI-related employees on leave.

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