DOJ Memo Says Minority Scholarships, Diverse Slates Unlawful (1)

A memo from the US Department of Justice ramps up the pressure on government contractors, universities, nonprofits and other entities doing business with the government to pare back any scholarship programs or leadership initiatives that incorporate references to things like race and gender.

The new guidance dated July 29 marks an escalation of previous efforts to stamp out what it says are “illegal” diversity, equity and inclusion programs, further limiting what’s permitted and expanding who government officials should scrutinize. Employment lawyers have regarded such memos as a roadmap to determine what policies may draw investigations.

“In recent years, the federal ...