No DEI in DC Act
This bill, titled the No Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the District of Columbia Act (No DEI in DC Act), would bar the Government of the District of Columbia from engaging in any diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI) practices or racial equity training. It would prohibit DC from funding such practices or related entities, and would repeal or abolish a wide range of DC offices, commissions, and laws tied to racial equity, LGBTQ+ issues, Latino and Asian-Pacific Islander affairs, and other diversity-oriented programs. The bill also creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue the DC government for violations, with potential damages and attorney’s fees. It would take effect 90 days after enactment. In short, the bill would remove many current DC DEI programs and offices, criminalize most DEI training and related activities in DC government, shift toward eliminating diversity-focused institutions, and empower individuals to sue the city for alleged violations.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition of DEI practices and training
- 2- The DC government may not engage in prohibited DEI practices or implement DEI training (including training on critical race theory or similar concepts, and training that asserts racial hierarchies or privileges).
- 3- The government cannot require employees to complete such training or sign statements affirming DEI-related beliefs.
- 4- Funding for DEI training, consultants, or related activities is banned.
- 5Definition of prohibited DEI practices
- 6- Includes discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, or national origin; requirements to undergo DEI-related training; signing statements or codes that affirm DEI dogma; and actions that advantage or disadvantage individuals based on protected characteristics.
- 7Broad repeals and abolition of DC offices/commissions
- 8- Abolishes or bars substantially similar successors to multiple offices and commissions (e.g., Mayor’s/ Council offices on racial equity, Latino affairs, Caribbean affairs, African-American affairs, Asian and Pacific Islander affairs, LGBTQ affairs, women, health equity, etc.).
- 9- Prohibits funding or establishing offices, commissions, or employee groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
- 10- Repeals numerous DC laws related to DEI programs, equity, and related administrative structures.
- 11Enforcement and penalties
- 12- Individuals can sue the DC government in federal court for violations.
- 13- Remedies include mandamus or other equitable relief, at least $1,000 per violation per day, attorney’s fees, and other damages or relief.
- 14Effective date and scope
- 15- The act would take effect 90 days after enactment.
- 16- The bill contains a “rule of construction” allowing continued funding for certain Equal Employment Opportunity activities and ADA enforcement in historically organized forms.