As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, he sets his sights on sweeping changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies across various sectors, measures that are expected to be initiated through executive orders and strategic reforms and which aim to reverse key equity initiatives implemented under President Joe Biden's administration.

Trump seeks to reshape federal, corporate, and educational DEI frameworks, potentially impacting everything from workplace training to university admissions, as the Washington Examiner reports.

In federal reforms, Trump's agenda includes a series of executive orders designed to dismantle existing DEI policies. Among the key targets is Executive Order 13985, which Biden signed to promote equity within federal operations.

The former president may look to bring back his earlier prohibition on DEI training for government employees and contractors, signifying a shift back to pre-Biden norms.

Planned Federal Changes to DEI Policies

One of the anticipated actions is the possibility of executive orders redefining gender to strictly biological terms—a move that could have significant implications for policy enforcement.

Additionally, potential restructuring of federal units might be on the horizon, with talks of transferring functions from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Corporations, navigating political and societal critiques, have already started scaling back their DEI initiatives. Companies such as Walmart and Boeing are among those adjusting their policies.

The incoming administration is expected to tighten scrutiny on firms using racial quotas, leveraging existing labor laws to enforce compliance.

The Trump administration could use similar strategies to reshape educational policies. Affirmative action, especially in light of a U.S Supreme Court ruling scrutinizing such practices in college admissions, may face intensified investigations under Trump's lead.

The administration might take steps to overhaul educational systems further by altering accreditation processes, safeguarding free speech, and tackling what some perceive as administrative excesses in academia.

Corporate Shifts Underway Amid Political Climate

Litigation strategies are also under consideration, with ideas circulating around using legal mechanisms to dismantle DEI initiatives efficiently.

This involves pursuing a “sue and settle” approach, which could expedite the dismantling of race-based admissions practices without prolonged rulemaking processes. Jesse Panuccio, a notable legal voice, has suggested this method provides an effective tool for policy reversal.

The cultural sphere isn't exempt from these anticipated changes. Allies of Trump have indicated potential reforms for institutions like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Smithsonian. The aim would be to address what they view as an inclination towards progressive cultural narratives within these bodies.

Commentators like Will Hild predict a prompt execution of these changes, citing Trump's intricate planning to implement these orders rapidly. Hild suggests that companies engaging in racial quotas could face significant legal challenges if federal oversight shifts as expected.

Potential Litigation Strategies And Implications

In the educational arena, figures like Devon Westhill foresee a rigorous assessment of institutions, focusing on enforcement related to admissions and anti-discrimination laws. Westhill indicates the potential for unprecedented investigations, aiming to ensure fair Title IX applications and combat antisemitic practices.

The planned transformation will not be without challenges. Despite some public sentiment rejecting what is perceived as "woke" policies, others caution that dismantling DEI frameworks completely requires thorough and careful execution. Mike Gonzalez and Armen Tooloee emphasize the difference between rejecting a concept and effectively phasing it out from institutional practices.

The strategic direction Trump is considering for his return to the White House marks a significant departure from the policies that have been developed over the previous four years.

As the details of these initiatives continue to unfold, the broader implications for federal, corporate, and educational sectors remain a point of keen focus and debate among various stakeholders.