California Contractor Compliance: Filling the Federal, EO-Created Void
Takeaways As federal affirmative action policies have shifted, state-level responsibilities can be a higher and different bar. California reinforces its commitment to nondiscrimination in public contracting through various requirements. California contractors should assess compliance with state law and other applicable obligations. Article As federal policies shift from affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives — particularly through Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which rescinded affirmative action mandates for federal contractors — states are filling the void. Several states, including California, and municipalities are reinforcing their commitment to nondiscrimination through compliance certification requirements. Employers seeking to do business with California should prepare to meet these obligations. California’s Nondiscrimination Requirements for State Contractors Under California law, ...