The Trump administration is beginning to no longer require the segregation ban on new government contracts.

What does this mean?

To start, segregation is still illegal nationwide and people are still subject to the laws on civil rights and nondiscrimination. The revoked ban affects “segregated facilities” such as waiting rooms, restaurants and drinking fountains for federal contractors. 

The memo being issued last month by the General Services Administration (GSA) is meant to be a part of President Trump’s plan to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the federal government and private sector. 

The memo in question, stating “When issuing new solicitations or contracts do not include any of the following provisions and clauses”. There is a list on the memo (link for memo) in which it includes not to mention the “Prohibition of Segregated Facilities” and “Equal opportunity” , meaning they do not need to be included in the contracts.

Even though segregation is still illegal, the change is still a trend with President Trump’s  policy making.