The guidance explicitly states that these interpretations apply only to organizations and programs that receive federal funds.
From the CEO:
Last Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a memo titled “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” This memo outlines how the federal government will interpret civil rights laws with respect to programs funded by federal dollars, including those related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), accessibility, and workforce development.
What this means:
The memo does not create new law, but it does signal a shift in how federal agencies may scrutinize programs that use protected characteristics, such as race, sex, or religion, in hiring, eligibility, or service delivery. It applies only to programs that receive federal funding, including those passed through state departments like HCPF, BHA, CDPHE, and others.
To make this easier to navigate, we’ve compiled a clear breakdown of what the memo says and how it might affect your work. The summary includes key takeaways, a chart of what the memo does and does not do, and a brief Q and A to help guide internal conversations.
Check out our guidance below, which includes:
- Key takeaways
- An FAQ
- A checklist to help your organization review compliance
In Partnership,
Breeah Kinsella, CEO