In a recent policy shift, the Trump administration has removed the explicit mandate requiring federal contractors to avoid providing “segregated facilities” such as restaurants, waiting rooms, and drinking fountains. This change stems from the revocation of Executive Order 11246, originally signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, which prohibited employment discrimination and mandated non-segregated facilities among federal contractors.
Despite this change, existing federal and state laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, continue to prohibit segregation and discrimination, ensuring that businesses must comply with these legal standards.
The removal of this mandate has sparked criticism from civil rights advocates, who view it as a symbolic yet concerning move that could potentially undermine decades of progress in enforcing civil rights protections. Legal experts note that while the change may be symbolic, it carries significant implications regarding the government’s commitment to preventing segregation.
It’s important to recognize that while certain mandates have been lifted, segregation remains illegal under existing civil rights laws. The government’s role includes ensuring compliance with these laws and addressing any violations that may occur.