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Administration Removes Ban on Segregated Facilities for Federal Contractors
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has lifted a specific prohibition on segregation in facilities such as waiting rooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains used by federal contractors, according to a memo issued by the U.S. General Services Administration.
This memo was released last month but gained attention on Tuesday following coverage by NPR.
Significance of the Change
Since assuming the presidency on January 20, Trump has implemented various policies aimed at rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across both federal and private sectors.
One notable executive order issued by Trump revoked longstanding policies, some dating back to 1965, that were designed to promote equal employment opportunities, protect communities of color from environmental harm, and support “workforce balancing” practices among federal contractors based on demographic factors such as race, gender, and religion.
The 1965 initiative was pivotal in addressing discrimination in hiring and employment practices among government contractors.
The memo dated February 15 indicated that changes were being made in light of the aforementioned executive order.
Key Statements from the Memo
The memo explicitly stated that “when issuing new solicitations or contracts,” federal agencies are no longer required to incorporate the clause concerning the “Prohibition of Segregated Facilities.”
Reactions from Civil Rights Advocates
While federal and state laws continue to prohibit discrimination and segregation, civil rights advocates have expressed concern about the symbolic nature of this policy shift. They fear it reflects a broader trend within Trump’s administrative strategies.
Advocates have criticized the change, emphasizing that any action which may signal a regression in the fight against racial segregation is unacceptable. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump remarked, “While segregation is still illegal, this change sends a CLEAR message.”
Broader Context
Advocates for marginalized communities argue that Trump’s administration is attempting to dismantle initiatives that are critical for addressing longstanding historical and generational inequities.
Defenders of Trump’s policies, including the president and his supporters, argue that these executive orders aim to eliminate what they describe as discrimination against other demographics, including white individuals and men.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Additional reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
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