EEOC & DOJ’s Warning on DEI Marks a Turning Point for Federal Contractors Under EO 14173

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a joint warning that could reshape how employers, including federal contractors, approach Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The message was unmistakable: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, or any other protected characteristic,…
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DOJ’s Case Against Epik Solutions Signals a Wake-Up Call for Federal Contractors in the EO 14173 Era

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a clear message with its announcement of a settlement with Epik Solutions, a California-based technology recruiting firm. The company was found to have violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by unlawfully preferring foreign H-1B workers over qualified U.S. applicants, a discriminatory practice that cost the firm nearly…
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The Legacy of EO 11246: A Hard-Fought Battle Against Workplace Discrimination

  For nearly six decades, Executive Order 11246 has stood as a cornerstone in the fight against workplace discrimination. More than a regulatory requirement, it has served as a powerful tool for progress—challenging employers to confront systemic bias and build fair, inclusive hiring practices. Before EO 11246, discrimination in the workplace wasn’t just tolerated—it was…
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The Aftermath of EO 14173: Uncertainty and the Path Forward

When Executive Order 14173 was issued, it sent shockwaves through the federal contracting community. By revoking EO 11246, which had governed federal contracting for over six decades, this new order introduced uncertainty and left many contractors scrambling to understand the new compliance landscape. With no clear guidance on how to ensure non-discriminatory employment practices, many…
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Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Mandate Revoked: What You Need to Know

On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order rescinding the federal contractor minimum wage mandate, a policy originally established under the Biden administration. This decision removes the requirement for federal contractors to pay workers at least $17.75 per hour, allowing wages to be set according to the federal minimum wage ($7.25 per…
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