On January 20, 2025, President Joe Biden signed a significant executive order aimed at ending illegal discrimination and revitalizing merit-based opportunities across federal agencies and contractors. This order responds to the controversial policies established by former President Donald Trump which had sought to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within government contracting. The Biden administration’s announcement came amidst rising political tensions surrounding discrimination and equality policies, particularly in the wake of recent Supreme Court rulings that impacted affirmative action in higher education. ‘We believe in a nation where people are judged by their skills, talents, and achievements, not their background,’ President Biden remarked during the signing ceremony. The executive order prohibits practices that are considered discriminatory against race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other federally protected status. Additionally, it mandates that federal agencies conduct regular training sessions promoting merit-based evaluation to ensure fairness in hiring and promotion practices. Asides from this, the order mandates federal contractors to establish clear diversity metrics aimed at increasing the representation of marginalized communities.” The executive order is seen as a direct counter to the previous administrations’ efforts, particularly Trump’s Executive Order 13950, which aimed to curtail the use of federal funds for so-called ‘divisive concepts.’ Legal experts suggest that the recent ruling by the Supreme Court regarding affirmative action in education may have influenced Biden’s decision to stress merit-based opportunities without explicitly relying on affirmative action policies. As a result, the executive order may usher in a new era in government policy as it seeks to align with affirmative action principles without running afoul of Supreme Court measures. Organizations committed to diversity are expressing cautious optimism about the potential impact of the order, while others are concerned that the push for meritocracy could undermine progress made toward achieving racial and gender equity in the workplace. ‘This is a crucial phase in the ongoing fight for equality,’ noted civil rights leaders advocating for the reform. ‘Ending discrimination and focusing on merit doesn’t mean ignoring the systemic barriers that have historically disadvantaged certain groups,’ they emphasized.
Biden’s Executive Order Aims to End Illegal Discrimination and Promote Merit-Based Opportunities
