Complimentary On-Demand Webinar: Navigating the New Federal Attack on DEI (5-8-25 Webinar Recording)

Since taking office on January 20th, the new federal administration has moved swiftly to attack diversity, equity, and inclusion policies it believes impermissibly grant preferential terms and conditions of employment to individuals based on their race, sex, or gender. However, in moving swiftly, the Administration has had to rely on Executive Orders and administrative fiat that has left its policies subject to judicial challenge.

Watch this complimentary webinar recording to understand the various actions undertaken by the new administration, where it currently stands on enforcement, and best practices for employers to avoid placing themselves in the crosshairs of an aggressive U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Our discussion will explain:

• Recent EEOC and DOJ Guidance: The substance behind the Administration’s Executive Orders, including the DOJ’s and EEOC’s efforts to identify private employers engaged in what they consider “illegal” DEI practices and what resources are available to the DOJ to prosecute claims of preferential hiring. We will also provide a summary of recent EEOC guidance to private employers on how to comply with the Administration’s policy changes. And, we’ll review differences with California state law on these subjects.

• What Employers Are Doing: A summary of private employer responses to anti-DEI efforts and potential constitutional concerns related to the Administration’s actions. The seminar will also identify the best practices for employers going forward to avoid federal agency scrutiny and investigation.

• Executive Orders: The elimination of certain affirmative action obligations for federal contractors and prime subcontractors, new provisions in federal contracts, what these changes mean for OFCCP auditing of federal contractors, and combating race- and sex-based preferences in the private sector and among law firms. We will also discuss where these Orders stand, and the status of litigation brought to rescind the Executive Orders as unconstitutional.

Attendees will receive detailed PowerPoint slides and several additional written handouts. Registrants can download the program handouts by clicking the gotwebinar handouts icon after accessing the program.

This is an edited recording of a webinar presented by Ray Hixson, Alexa Morgan, and Jay Wang on May 8, 2025. Please note that the webinar does not address changes in the law since the original program date. Please also note that the webinar provides only general information about the law, and does not constitute legal advice. Companies or individual seeking legal advice should retain counsel.

Please note that HR and attorney continuing education credits are not available for watching this recorded program.

You may access the program’s handouts by clicking the gotowebinar handouts icon.