Why Pausing Nondiscrimination Practices is a Costly Mistake

For Federal Contractors, EO 14173 Raises the Stakes—and Continuing EO 11246 Practices Protects Your Bottom Line When Executive Order 11246 was revoked and replaced with EO 14173, some federal contractors—especially those under private equity ownership—interpreted the shift as a green light to pause their long-standing nondiscrimination practices. This would be a critical misstep. Not only…
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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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March 24 Marks a Turning Point in Enforcement: EEOC Hits Hard, OFCCP Reloads with New Director

On March 24, 2025, the landscape of workplace compliance took a sharp turn. In one day, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced three major enforcement actions, totaling over $1 million in settlements, while the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) appointed Catherine Eschbach as its new director. This alignment is more than…
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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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Identifying Triggers in Workplace Discrimination: What Employers Need to Watch For

Ensuring equal employment opportunity (EEO) compliance is an ongoing responsibility for employers, particularly federal contractors. Non-compliance triggers can indicate potential risks, even if discrimination is not intentional. By proactively identifying and addressing these issues, organizations can mitigate legal risks and strengthen their compliance programs.  This guide highlights some of the most common non-compliance triggers that…
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