America First Legal (AFL) has called on the U.S. Department of Labor and its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to investigate certain federal contractors for potentially unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. AFL contends these policies may violate the Equal Opportunity Clause and an Executive Order issued by former President Trump titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”
The Executive Order prohibits the OFCCP from promoting diversity or mandating affirmative action among federal contractors. It also disallows workforce balancing based on race, color, sex, sexual preferences, religion, or national origin.
AFL's request is supported by findings from litigation and independent investigations. The organization has identified eight prominent federal contractors whose DEI programs might not comply with federal law or the aforementioned Executive Order. AFL urges the Department of Labor and OFCCP to review these companies' DEI practices for adherence to civil rights laws.
AFL has a history of filing lawsuits and complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against major companies for alleged discrimination violations. The group asserts its commitment to defending civil rights.
Will Scolinos, Counsel at America First Legal, stated: “Federal contracts are a privilege — contractors entrusted with American tax dollars must abide by the terms and conditions of the contracts that are designed to serve Americans. America First Legal will continue to hold accountable contractors that break their contract with the American people.”