Category: Civil Rights

Trump’s Regime Erases Diversity Language and Rights from Federal Agencies

President Donald Trump has made sweeping changes to federal agencies’ websites, aligning them with his administration’s regressive policies. His executive orders have led to the removal of critical references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a move that signals a clear attack on the rights of marginalized communities. An extensive review revealed over 600 instances where language concerning DEI was expunged from federal webpages, demonstrating a troubling commitment to erasing these fundamental values from public discourse.

During a recent press event, Trump endorsed the sweeping removal of DEI language, stating it “doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” This rhetoric underscores his administration’s objective to roll back protections that historically supported diversity in federal employment and policy-making. The White House has suggested that this agenda is underpinned by a mandate from voters to replace inclusive practices with a merit-based system, starkly denouncing the gains made by various communities over the years.

The changes aren’t limited to rhetoric surrounding diversity; they stretch into health and social policy as well. References to “pregnant people” have been replaced by “pregnant women” in federal communications, stripping away gender-inclusive terminology that emerged under the previous administration. Moreover, federal health agencies have begun to eliminate protections for gender identity from their non-discrimination policies, a move directly limiting rights for transgender individuals and erasing vital health reference points for non-binary persons.

Trump’s dismissal of scientific concerns is further reflected in how federal agencies communicate about climate change. Many references to “climate change” have been replaced with vague terms like “climate resilience,” abstracting from the critical discussion on combating global warming. This modification supports Trump’s broader goal of dismantling environmental protections, perhaps indicative of aligning with interests that protect fossil fuel industries while jeopardizing the future of environmental policy.

The systematic removal of DEI language and the reconfiguration of health and environmental guidelines illustrate a broader authoritarian tactic aimed at consolidating power and suppressing diversity. Under Trump’s leadership, federal agencies become vehicles for regressive policy, reinforcing exclusionary practices that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy elite while undermining democracy and civil rights. Such actions echo a troubling trend where institutional integrity is sacrificed for political relevance in a bid to dismantle the foundational principles of equality and inclusivity.

Trump Administration’s Assault on Education Threatens Civil Rights and Academic Freedom

The Trump administration is steering the United States toward a disturbing form of educational authoritarianism. The U.S. Department of Education has recently issued new interpretations of civil rights law that effectively redefine discrimination to include perceived biases against white individuals. This alarming shift was highlighted in a letter from the Department’s Office for Civil Rights, which imposes vague guidelines that threaten academic freedom and allow for the censorship of essential historical narratives, particularly regarding systemic racism in American history.

In the February 14 letter, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor accused educational institutions of “toxically indoctrinating” students by teaching them about systemic racism, which is a crucial aspect of U.S. history. The new directives create a hostile environment for educators who discuss Black or Indigenous histories and challenge students or faculty to rethink perceptions of racism and inequality within American society. The chilling effect of these guidelines cultivates a culture of fear where teachers may refrain from teaching no necessary historical context to avoid retribution.

Trump’s sweeping changes are not limited to individual interpretations of civil rights law. His administration has indicated intentions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education altogether, as part of a broader agenda to eliminate federal oversight in education. The endeavor includes proposed cuts to critical educational support for low-income students and special education programs—programs that provide vital resources to vulnerable communities across the nation.

Furthermore, the misguided pursuit of “patriotic education” echoes authoritarian regimes that stifle dissent and undermine educational integrity. The current administration’s targeting of institutions like Columbia University under the pretense of addressing antisemitism represents a troubling intersection of educational policy and perceived political alignment. By enforcing a narrow narrative around so-called “aka anti-racism,” the education department seeks to silence discussions that are vital for fostering a comprehensive understanding of America’s complex social fabric.

The transformation of educational policy under Trump signals an impending crisis for civil rights and academic freedom in the U.S. If this trajectory continues, the implications will be disastrous for public education. Citizens, educators, and students must remain vigilant against these authoritarian measures disguised under the guise of civics and patriotism, which ultimately serve the interests of wealthy elites and undermine the foundational values of democracy.

(h/t: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/17/trump-us-path-educational-authoritarianism)

Trump’s Erosion of LGBTQ+ Protections Undermines Rights and Safety

Donald Trump’s recent return to the presidency initiated a swift and aggressive rollback of pivotal LGBTQ+ protections put in place by the previous administration. These executive orders were signed with a flourish, intending to make it clear that Trump is taking a combative stance against the rights of marginalized communities, specifically targeting the LGBTQ+ populace.

Among the most significant actions Trump took was the rescission of Executive Order 14075, which had advanced essential protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under Biden’s administration. This order was crucial in promoting access to gender-affirming care, prohibiting conversion therapy, and ensuring safe environments for LGBTQ+ youth in educational and welfare settings. Trump’s reversal leaves the LGBTQ+ community exposed to heightened discrimination, especially in states hostile to transgender rights.

Moreover, Trump’s actions dismantled initiatives designed to shield LGBTQ+ youth from the dangers of discrimination and abuse both in schools and in the foster care system. By stripping away these resources, he has disregarded the well-being of one of America’s most vulnerable populations, potentially increasing their risk of homelessness and violence. This move is representative of a broader trend within the Republican agenda to undermine civil rights protections for marginalized groups.

Trump also removed plans aimed at improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within federal agencies, labeling such programs as “radical” and “divisive.” This dismissal of efforts that address systemic inequities is emblematic of a growing trend within the Republican Party to reject support structures that protect marginalized communities, thereby further entrenching discrimination and divisiveness in government policy.

Additionally, Trump signaled a departure from global collaboration on climate issues, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, which reflects a broader anti-environmental stance that prioritizes short-term political gains over actionable climate solutions. Such measures represent a significant undermining of progressive policies that the Biden administration sought to enact.

(h/t: https://www.advocate.com/politics/trump-rolls-back-lgbtq-protections)

Trump’s Agenda Undermines Diversity and Inclusion, Promotes White Supremacy

The Trump administration has taken aggressive steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) efforts within federal agencies. In a memo from the Office of Personnel Management, officials were ordered to place D.E.I. staff on paid administrative leave and to plan the closure of their offices by Wednesday evening. This directive underscores Trump’s commitment to a regressive agenda that privileges a narrow definition of merit over inclusive practices.

The memo specifies that agencies must strip any language or materials related to D.E.I. initiatives and withdraw pending documents that could contradict these new mandates. Trump’s executive order characterizes D.E.I. efforts as detrimental to national unity, framing them unjustly as a “spoils system” that undermines traditional American values such as hard work and individual achievement. Such rhetoric is a notorious tactic used by Trump and his allies to promote a divisive and exclusionary vision of America.

The implications of this directive extend into the private sector, as Trump encouraged corporations to follow suit, potentially rolling back initiatives at major companies like Meta and McDonald’s. Although federal oversight of private sector employment practices is limited, compliance could still affect businesses that contract with the government, creating a ripple effect that jeopardizes progress made in workplace diversity and equity.

This abrupt dismantling of D.E.I. efforts reflects a broader systematic action against social progress underlining the Trump administration’s values. By targeting structures designed to advance inclusion, the administration seeks to affirm the dominance of a white, male-centric narrative, effectively erasing the contributions and identities of marginalized groups. Such tactics are inherently unethical and serve to entrench existing inequalities.

This maneuvering not only erodes decades of civil rights achievements but also signals a shift towards authoritarian governance, reminiscent of tactics utilized by far-right regimes. As Trump and his Republican allies continue to pursue policies that prioritize elitism and exclusion over equity and justice, they further threaten the foundational tenets of American democracy.

Special counsel informs Trump he is target in probe of efforts to overturn 2020 election – ABC News

The development indicates another indictment of Trump could be imminent.

Special counsel Jack Smith has informed former President Donald Trump by letter that he is a target in his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News.

Trump also confirmed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The letter, which sources said was transmitted to Trump’s attorneys in recent days, indicates that yet another indictment of the former president could be imminent.

The target letter mentions three federal statutes: conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States, deprivation of rights under a civil rights statute, and tampering with a witness, victim or an informant, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

There are no additional details in the letter and it does not say how the special counsel’s office claims Trump may have violated the statutes listed, sources said.

Trump, appearing Tuesday night at a town hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that he received the letter on Sunday.

“It bothers me,” said the former president. “I got the letter on Sunday night. Think of it, I don’t think they’ve ever sent a letter on Sunday night. And they’re in a rush because they want to interfere, it’s election interference, never been done like this in the history of our country and it’s a disgrace what’s happening to our country.”

Target letters are typically given to subjects in a criminal investigation to put them on notice that they are facing the prospect of indictment.

Multiple sources tell ABC News that allies, aides and attorneys for the former president have been working to determine if anyone else received a target letter from the special counsel regarding the election probe.

“We can’t find anyone,” a source said Tuesday afternoon.

A lawyer for Trump’s former personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, told ABC News that the former New York City mayor had not received a letter as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Any speculation that Mayor Rudy Giuliani ‘flipped’ against President Donald Trump is as false as previous lies that America’s Mayor was somehow a Russian Agent,” Giuliani adviser Ted Goodman said in a statement. “In order to ‘flip’ on President Trump — as so many in the anti-Trump media are fantasizing over — Mayor Giuliani would’ve had to commit perjury because all the information he has regarding this case points to President Trump’s innocence.”

Trump previously received a target letter from Smith before he was indicted by a grand jury in Florida for his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House and his alleged efforts to obstruct the government’s investigation.

Smith took control of the sprawling Justice Department investigation into the failed efforts by Trump and his allies to thwart his election loss upon his appointment as special counsel in November of last year, and in recent months dozens of witnesses have appeared to testify before a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C.

According to sources, prosecutors have questioned witnesses specifically about the efforts to put forward slates of so-called “false electors” that were to have cast electoral college votes during the certification for Trump in key swing states that he lost to Joe Biden.

Investigators have also sought information on Trump’s actions and his state of mind in the days leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, when thousands of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, temporarily disrupting the certification and causing lawmakers and former Vice President Pence to flee the building.

Trump was indicted last month on 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials, after Smith’s prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to return hundreds of documents containing classified information ranging from U.S. nuclear secrets to the nation’s defense capabilities. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The former president has also pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment from the Manhattan district attorney charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election.

ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa and Soo Rin Kim contributed to this report.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story stated the special counsel’s target letter to former President Trump flagged a potential charge under a section of the civil rights code that mentions “color of law.” In further reporting, sources clarified to ABC News that the section mentioned is 18 USC 241 and does not include that phrase.

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

We now know Trump is being charged by Jack Smith with conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States, deprivation of rights under color of law, and tampering with a witness, victim or an informant, for his attempted coup.

[https://abcnews.go.com/US/special-counsel-informs-trump-target-probe-efforts-overturn/story?id=101404037]

Trump Says He May End Housing Desegregation Rule

President Donald Trump said he may get rid of a fair housing rule originally designed to desegretate neighborhoods, which some say in practice simply means building more housing. His administration has been trying to revise an Obama-era regulation on how to enforce the Civil Rights-era law; opponents say it’s an effort to weaken the rules.

Trump in a Twitter post though suggested he may want to go further. “At the request of many great Americans who live in the Suburbs, and others, I am studying the AFFH housing regulation that is having a devastating impact on these once thriving Suburban areas,” Trump said in a tweet. “Not fair to homeowners, I may END!” Trump didn’t offer additional details about his plans.

[Bloomberg]

Barr criticizes LGBT curriculums without opt-outs

Attorney General William Barr expressed opposition to LGBT curriculums that do not provide opt-out provisions for those who oppose it on religious grounds. 

He also expressed his belief that religious schools should be allowed to turn away teachers who are in same-sex marriages in a speech on Friday at Notre Dame’s law school

“Many states are adopting curriculum that is incompatible with traditional Judeo-Christian principles. … They often do this without any opt-out provision for religious families,” Barr said.

He particularly cited laws in New Jersey, California and Illinois requiring an LGBT curriculum. 

“The Orange County Board of Education in California issued an opinion that ‘parents who disagree with the instructional material … may not excuse their children from this instruction,'” he said, lamenting that in some cases parents are not “warned” about the material. 

“For anyone who has a religious faith, the most important part of exercising that faith is teaching that religion to your children,” he said. “For the government to interfere in that process is a monstrous invasion of religious liberty.”

Barr also cited support for schools that do not hire teachers in an LGBT marriage, citing the example of a teacher who sued Indianapolis’s Catholic Archbishop.

“Right here in Indiana a teacher sued the Catholic Archbishop of Indianapolis for directing the Catholic schools within his diocese that they could not employ teachers in same-sex marriages,” he said. “This lawsuit clearly infringes on the First Amendment rights of the archdiocese by interfering both with its expressive association and with its church autonomy.”

[The Hill]

Trump admin delays funds for human-trafficking victims that would help non-citizens

 The Trump administration abruptly delayed a $13.5 million grant to house human trafficking victims just five days after saying that “non-citizens” could be served by the program.

The program’s funds, which were approved two years ago by multiple federal agencies, are now in limbo with no indication when money will be distributed and no public explanation for the change.

The money was intended to support housing and supportive services for victims of sex and labor trafficking, including immediate emergency shelter and short-term housing of up to 24 months, according to the notice of funding availability. The money could also be used for providing trafficking victims with furniture, child care services, trauma therapy, cell phones and household items.

The grants were to be dispersed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Health and Human Services. HUD hosted a webinar on August 22 through the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness for organizations interested in applying for the money, which the council described on August 13 as an “unprecedented partnership” between the DOJ and HUD.

On September 4, the funding announcement was updated to “allow recipients [of the funds] to serve non-citizens,” including lawful permanent residents and foreign national victims, the funding notice said.

Five days later, the grant solicitation was cancelled, according to the federal government’s grants.gov website, which currently states: “This Funding Opportunity has been CANCELLED and is NO longer accepting applications.”

A spokesperson for the Justice Department told NBC News the program has been “postponed,” not cancelled and that a separate HUD website describing the grant as “cancelled” is a mistake. DOJ has not explained why, but the agency asked for the funds back from HUD and the spokesperson says DOJ will now run the program itself.

HUD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, sent a letter to HUD and DOJ on Friday criticizing the administration for abruptly stopping the grant and asked the agencies to explain what had happened. “Survivors of trafficking must have access to safe and affordable housing,” wrote Brown, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. “A decision to postpone these housing and services grants into oblivion will be a decision to waste anti-trafficking resources already on the table.”

[NBC News]

Trump administration files statement supporting a Catholic high school that fired a gay teacher

The Trump administration filed a “statement of interest” supporting an Indiana Catholic School being sued by a former teacher who was fired for being in a same-sex marriage.

Joshua Payne-Elliot filed a lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in July alleging that it “illegally interfered with his contractual and employment relationship” with Cathedral High School after the school fired him in June. 

The Justice Department announced in a Friday news release that it filed the statement of interest in the case, alleging that “the First Amendment protects the right of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis to interpret and apply Catholic doctrine.”

“The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right of religious institutions and people to decide what their beliefs are, to teach their faith, and to associate with others who share their faith,” Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband said in the news release. “The First Amendment rightly protects the free exercise of religion.” 

Archbishop Charles Thompson said in a letter sent to parents and students after the firing that “continued employment of a teacher in a public, same-sex marriage would result in our forfeiting our Catholic identity.”

It also called the choice to fire Payne-Elliot “agonizing” for school officials.

In the news release, the Justice Department said that “courts cannot second-guess how religious institutions interpret and apply their own religious laws.”

“The former teacher’s lawsuit attempts to penalize the Archdiocese for determining that schools within its diocese cannot employ teachers in public, same-sex marriages, and simultaneously identify as Catholic. Supreme Court precedent clearly holds that the First Amendment protects the Archdiocese’s right to this form of expressive association, and courts cannot interfere with that right,” the news release said. 

The lawsuit filed by Payne-Elliot stated, “For thirteen years, Mr. Payne-Elliott was a cherished educator of countless students at Cathedral High School. Cathedral renewed his annual teaching contract on May 21, 2019.” 

“But on June 23, 2019, Cathedral’s President told Mr. Payne-Elliott that the Archdiocese had ‘directed’ Cathedral to terminate him, and that Cathedral was following that directive,” the court filing reportedly continued.

Last month, the Trump administration filed a brief with the Supreme Court arguing that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not apply to sexual orientation.

[The Hill]

Mike Pence speaks at fundraiser for anti-LGBT hate group – a week after the White House denied he is homophobic

On Thursday, September 13, Pence was the headline speaker at the black tie gala for evangelical group Concerned Women of America, which lobbies against LGBT+ inclusion.

Anti-extremism watchdog Southern Poverty Law Center notes that the group has claimed that “gay marriage entices children to experiment with homosexuality”, and that “homosexuality carries enormous physical and mental health risks”.

The CWA has claimed: “Homosexual activists use same-sex ‘marriage’ as a political juggernaut to indoctrinate young children in schools to reject their parent’s values and to harass, sue and punish people who disagree.”

The $100-a-head gala was hosted at the Trump International Hotel in Washington DC, and was also addressed by Second Lady Karen Pence and anti-LGBT+ Republican Mike Huckabee.

Mike Pence hails ‘freedom to discriminate’ orders.

In his speech, Pence cited the Trump administration’s creation of “conscience rights” loopholes in discrimination protections, adding: “We’ve had two and a half years of action… and we’re just getting started.”

He said: “The source of our prosperity is that foundation of faith and ideals of the American people, things the CWA has been all about from the beginning. President Trump has been busy strengthening the constitutional foundation and the commitment to those ideals from day one.

“I promise you, this is an administration that will always defend the freedom of religion of every American.

“The president promised back in 2016 to defend your right to fully practice your religion as individuals, as business owners, and as academic institutions, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

CWA founder Beverly LaHaye said in a release: “This event is so special for me and for Concerned Women for America.

For CWA to continue to draw notable honoured guests like our vice president of the United States, Mike Pence, and his lovely wife, Karen, and governor Mike Huckabee – is an indication of God’s continued favour over Concerned Women for America these last 40 years.

“I am grateful for that favour and blessing; it has truly been the honour of my lifetime to lead CWA.”

Vice president has anti-LGBT+ record.

Pence’s three years as vice president have become defined by frequent spats over LGBT+ rights and criticism over his closeness to anti-gay hate groups.

A 2018 report alleged that Pence has played a pivotal role in actions taken by the Trump administration to dismantle civil rights protections for LGBT+ people.

White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere claimed earlier this month that Mike Pence isn’t “anti-gay” because he had lunch with gay Irish leader Leo Varadkar and his partner.

He tweeted: “For all of you who still think our VP is anti-gay, I point you to his and the Second Lady’s schedule tomorrow where they will join Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his partner Dr. Matthew Barrett for lunch in Ireland.”

[Pink News]

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