By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has lifted clear bans on “quarantine facilities,” such as waiting rooms, restaurants and drinking fountains for federal contractors, according to a memo released by the U.S. Presidential Services Administration.
The memorandum was released last month, but media noted the memorandum on Tuesday after the NPR report.
Why it matters
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has taken several steps to remove diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal and private sectors.
In such an executive order, Trump revoked the 1965 executive policy, dating back to 1965’s equivalent employment opportunities, environmental actions aimed at protecting communities of color and the “workforce balance” efforts of federal contractors based on race, gender and religion.
The 1965 action aims to end discriminatory practices in hiring and employment of U.S. government contractors.
The February 15 memo said it was a change facilitated by Trump’s executive order.
Key Quotation
The memorandum states that “a new tender or contract is issued” and civilian institutions no longer include provisions and clauses regarding “prohibited isolation facilities”.
What are they talking about
Federal and state laws still depend on discrimination and isolation, and while the steps of the memorandum are symbolic, civil rights advocates see it as part of a trend in Trump’s decision-making.
Any step that could make people think of the clock of segregation is unpopular, they say.
“While segregation remains illegal, this change conveys a clear message,” said civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
context
Rights advocates say Trump is trying to remove measures aimed at elevating marginalized groups and address the ongoing impact of historical and generational inequality.
Trump and his allies say his orders are designed to eliminate discrimination against other Americans, including whites and men.
(Reported by Kanishka Singh in Washington; other reports by Ryan Patrick Jones; edited by Saad Sayeed)
