Title VII Refresher in Light of Possible Criminal Investigations
Compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is more important now than ever, as equal employment opportunity efforts are being scrutinized more closely following President Donald Trump’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) executive orders . Concern among companies also has been heightened by a Feb. 5 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) memo considering criminal investigations of illegal programs. Title VII prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity or expression ), and religion. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, each working 20 or more weeks in the current or preceding calendar year; state and local government; employment agencies; labor unions; and U.S. citizens employed by U.S.-owned or controlled companies in foreign countries. “DEI programs, while well-intentioned, can sometimes inadvertently create issues if they are not carefully des...