The Republican Administration has made a direct attack on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs in government, universities, and private employers through a series of Executive Orders. As usual, they have shown little regard for existing Civil Rights Legislation or the Bill of Rights. Administration lawyers have rubber stamped the orders, but they have been challenged in court.

The theme of the orders clearly is a racist ploy to appeal to the White Supremacists in the MAGA wing of the party. In effect, however, it has restricted women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and rights of the disabled. The orders require removing any mention of DEI in a website, information materials, plans, and DEI Programs. In addition, staff, grants, and contracts have been ordered to be quickly removed. The impact has been swift and substantial. A less diverse workforce will hurt recruiting, particularly among younger people.

Stop Project 2025 Protest - Photo: Elvert Barnes

The Trump Administration through a series of Executive Orders has rapidly started to implement Project 2025. This conservatives’ plan was prepared by the Heritage Foundation with the goal of ultimately removing all legal rights of the LGBTQ+ community. It started with the policy of eliminating all references and staff under the heading: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI.) Although primarily devoted to attacking people of color, it also is being used to stigmatize the LBGTQ+ Community. This is in direct violation of a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Public statements declare that there are only two sexes: male and female so there is no transition possible. Gender identity has been removed from public documents and policies. Transgender people have been removed from the military summarily. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is in the process of being gutted. The Gender Policy Council was dissolved.

Sarah McBride, U.S. Representative from Delaware

The Trump Administration has gone after transgender people with a series of executive orders and rescinding of existing executive orders. The distinction in sex is male or female. There no longer is any gender identity or non-conforming gender expression. These orders are similar to the infamous North Carolina law of a decade ago, and they introduce restrictions on the use of public bathrooms. Public records must be changed to follow the new policies, and transgender people cannot be employed in government positions. This raises an issue of the sole transgender person serving in the U.S. Congress.

LGBTQ+ people no longer can claim discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations. These orders do not address the issue of whether lesbian or gay employees will be fired from public employment, but that is likely to come up soon. Employment in the military will be a separate Issue. Same sex marriage likely will be on the agenda even though it has been approved by the Supreme Court. Because we do not conform to the new definition of sex, our legal status probably will be changed. It also would require a reversal of a Supreme Court ruling to declare that gay/lesbian sex is a crime.