Trump’s Attacks on Equal Opportunity Will Not Stand

The following statement comes from Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of the National Employment Law Project, in response to President Trump’s April 23 executive order seeking to roll back the use of disparate impact analysis in civil rights law:  

“Persistent occupational segregation plagues our economy and divides our workforce, with Black and Latinx workers overrepresented in dangerous jobs, underpaying jobs, and jobs with few benefits. Unfair and discriminatory barriers stand between many workers and an equal opportunity to access good jobs. These barriers come from bigoted stereotypes, policies, and practices that are older than our country.  

“Recognizing this reality, U.S. courts and Congress established legal tools to challenge these discriminatory barriers—including disparate impact analysis. These tools are a legacy of the civil rights movement and are deeply rooted in civil rights law and jurisprudence.  

The president cannot change the law with one executive order.

“Although the president cannot change the law with one executive order, his determination to hold back the cause of equal opportunity will nevertheless harm workers, communities, and our economy. His unfounded assertions that civil rights tools are harmful to meritocracy may be just as damaging. 

“NELP supports workers of all backgrounds who refuse to be distracted by these appeals to prejudice. Solidarity is the best antidote to bigotry and greed.”  

###