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Blank Rome partners <a href="/people/dominique-l-casimir/" id="19011">Dominique L. Casimir</a>, <a href="/people/anthony-b-haller/" id="19094">Anthony B. Haller</a>, and <a href="/people/brooke-t-iley/" id="19152">Brooke T. Iley</a>, along with <a href="https://communications.blankrome.com/email_handler.aspx?sid=blankform&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.teneo.com%2fperson%2flisa-davis%2f&amp;checksum=7E427D41">Lisa R. Davis</a>, Senior Managing Director and Co-Lead, DEI Advisory at global CEO consulting and advisory firm Teneo, will serve as speakers for the 60-minute, Blank Rome-hosted live webinar, “Navigating the Impact of President Trump’s Executive Orders on DEI Initiatives,” taking place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. PST.

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Within days of the new administration taking office, there have been tectonic shifts in the employment law and government contracts landscape affecting all employers, large and small, across every industry and every sector of the economy.

The Executive Order “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” has implications for any company that has adopted a formal diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) policy and puts companies on notice that the new administration considers DEI policies and programs to be “illegal” if they have the effect of reverse discrimination under federal anti-discrimination laws. The Executive Order requires the heads of all federal agencies to submit a plan outlining specific measures to deter illegal discrimination or preferences. Additionally, each agency must identify up to nine major corporations or institutions for compliance investigations on DEI violations and the Attorney General has been tasked with developing strategies to deter “illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI,” in the broader private sector. This plan will be presented in 120 days.

The Executive Order also has drastic implications for federal contractors. It revokes Executive Order 11246, which for 60 years has required federal contractors adopt affirmative action plans. The Executive Order gives federal contractors until April 21, 2025, to end their compliance with Executive Order 11246. All federal contractors will now be expected to certify that they “do not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws” in all contracts with federal agencies.

In addition to this Executive Order, other directives on gender and DEI efforts and civil and criminal enforcement across the private and public sector carry both direct and indirect implications for companies. This landscape is evolving rapidly, influenced by guidance from new agency heads—including the Department of Justice—as well as emerging state-level pressures. Special guest speaker Lisa R. Davis, Senior Managing Director and Co-Lead, DEI Advisory at Teneo, will join Dominique, Anthony, and Brooke to explore the intricate implications of these Executive Orders and offer actionable insights for navigating and communicating changes effectively.

Key topics will include:

Overview of new executive orders and their implications for government contractors, higher education institutions, and private industry

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Strategies to limit risk of investigations and lawsuits

Guidance on reviewing existing polices to ensure compliance

Considerations and best practices for communicating with employees and other key stakeholders 

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<a href="https://www.teneo.com/person/lisa-davis/">Lisa R. Davis</a>, Senior Managing Director and Co-Lead, DEI Advisory, Teneo

<a href="https://www.blankrome.com/people/dominique-l-casimir">Dominique L. Casimir</a>, Partner, Blank Rome LLP

<a href="https://www.blankrome.com/people/anthony-b-haller">Anthony B. Haller</a>, Partner, Blank Rome LLP

<a href="https://www.blankrome.com/people/brooke-t-iley">Brooke T. Iley</a>, Partner, Blank Rome LLP

This program has been approved in the following jurisdictions for the credit amount and category listed below.

CA – 1.00 General Credits CT – 1.00 General Credits (via reciprocity) IL – 1.00 General Credits NJ – 1.00 General Credits (via reciprocity) NY – 1.00 Professional Practice - Transitional &amp; Non-Transitional Credits&nbsp; PA – 1.00 General – Live Credits TX – 1.00 General Credits VA – 1.00 Geneal Credits (pending)

Questions? Contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jennifer.reda@blankrome.com?subject=Navigating%20the%20Impact%20of%20President%20Trump’s%20Executive%20Orders%20on%20DEI%20Initiatives">Jennifer Reda</a> via e-mail.

1:00–2:00 p.m. EST | 10:00–11:00 a.m. PST

Navigating the Impact of President Trump’s Executive Orders on DEI Initiatives

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Navigating the Impact of President Trump’s Executive Orders on DEI Initiatives

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