Independent Federal Commission Action
June 16, 2017
Policy Summary
On June 16, 2017, the United States Commission on Civil Rights stated its concern with the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts to civil rights offices throughout the Federal Government. As a result, the Commission unanimously approved a two-year comprehensive assessment of federal civil rights enforcement under the administration at various federal departments. The review will examine [1] the degree to which budget cuts will allow the civil rights offices to fulfill their duties, [2] whether the management practices are sufficient to meet the volume of civil rights cases, and [3] the effectiveness of resolution efforts from these offices. LEARN MORE
Analysis
President Donald Trump’s proposed budget cuts to federal civil rights offices can best be illustrated by what the federal civil rights offices have achieved in the past and what will be lost if his budget proposal prevails. At the Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP), which is targeted for reduced staffing, the office was able to settle discriminatory hiring practices at Bank of America and KPMG. At the Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Civil Rights, also targeted for reduced staffing, the office was able to respond to sexual assault and harassment complaints at the university and high school level. These are just a few examples but they demonstrate the value of these civil rights offices. Without them, big corporations would no longer be held accountable for discriminatory hiring practices. Sexual assault incidents at educational institutions would likely continue to be mishandled. By highlighting the achievements of these offices, the Commission on Civil Rights can show how important it is that we need these civil rights offices in order to stand up to discriminatory actions and practices in every place that needs it. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Department of Education Office of Civil Rights – web page with info on civil rights issues in education.
- Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights – preventing unlawful discrimination in health services.
- Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program – web page with info on anti – discrimination programs for companies that do business with the federal government.
This brief was compiled by Rod Maggay. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief, please contact rod@usresistnews.org.
