Changes in Federal Contracts

On March 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14173, which changes the rules that federal contractors must follow. These rules usually apply to companies that get money from the government for doing work like construction, supplies, or services. The order mainly affects civil rights protections that have been part of these contracts for decades.

One of the most significant changes is removing the FAR 52.222-21 rule. This rule said businesses working with the government couldn’t use segregated facilities—basically, they weren’t allowed to separate employees or others based on race or sex. That rule had existed since the 1960s, when the U.S. first put civil rights protections into law. The executive order also removes some recent policies about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and no longer includes gender identity as a protected category.

People who support this decision say the change makes the process easier and focuses on existing laws, like the Civil Rights Act. They believe those laws are enough to stop discrimination, so the extra rules aren’t essential. Supporters also say the government should focus more on performance and qualifications when giving out contracts.

On the other hand, critics worry that these changes could make it easier for discrimination to happen. They’re concerned that some businesses might not take civil rights as seriously without clear rules. Others say it’s a step backward, especially for groups already at risk of being maltreated in the workplace.

This executive order has started many conversations about how civil rights protections should work in government contracts. Some people see it as a simple policy update, while others see it as a bigger shift in how the government handles equality.