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Venable LLP attorneys Paul DeBolt, Christopher Griesedieck, Jennifer Prozinski, and Scott S. Sheffler address various new limits on federal contractor and grantee diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. During 2025 and in early 2026, multiple executive orders, new government-wide assurances, and new contract clauses have been implemented or proposed that impose new restrictions on practices that may be considered to constitute unlawful discrimination. Moreover, Department of Justice guidance and recent enforcement actions convey that federal agencies will construe these new prohibitions broadly. Although often described in terms of discouraging DEI efforts, the new restrictions extend widely to employment practices and federally supported program activities that one might not consider DEI-related. Paul, Chris, Jennifer, and Scott will discuss the evolution of these requirements over the past year, outline key compliance considerations, and highlight key risks, including the potential for contract and grant scrutiny by the government as well as government- or whistleblower-initiated false claims allegations.
Speakers
- Paul Debolt, Partner, Venable LLP
- Christopher Griesedieck, Partner, Venable LLP
- Jennifer Prozinski, Partner, Venable LLP
- Scott S. Sheffler, Partner, Venable LLP
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