In the public sector, racial equity requires navigating an increasingly turbulent legal and political landscape. With the current administration’s recent executive orders and policies restricting and rolling back DEI, federal employees face growing constraints – and in some cases – have been prohibited or removed from pursuing and maintaining equity initiatives. This session focuses on federal civil servants and offers valuable insights for state and local government workers, nonprofit leaders, and racial equity practitioners.

This session brings together legal experts to provide information on what remains permissible for federal employees under current laws and policies. The session considers what recent shifts at the highest levels of government mean for racial equity efforts across different sectors. Discussants will also share practical strategies for navigating challenges to stay the course toward racial justice within legal boundaries. The session will conclude with a moderated Q&A, allowing participants to get answers to their most pressing questions.

Goals:

• Understand the impact of recent executive orders and policies restricting and rolling back DEI on federal employees, federal equity programs and racial equity efforts across sectors.
• Explore the legal parameters for advancing equity in the federal government and how these regulations influence efforts in other sectors.
• Identify strategies to remain resilient in advancing racial equity, regardless of your sector or position.