Here is today's Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Network  message.  Please feel free to share. 

Martha

*Martha K. Gabehart* | "Executive Director
"Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC)
*Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
*900 SW Jackson, Suite 100 | Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 296-6525 (direct) | (785) 260-4027 (cell)

[email protected] | www.kcdcinfo.ks.gov [ [link removed] ]

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The Equal Employoment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announce two joint documents released yesterday regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclulsion (DEI). 

View on website [ [link removed] ]. 

U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2025

EEOC and Justice Department Warn Against Unlawful DEI-Related Discrimination
Employers’ DEI Policies, Programs, and Practices Can Violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released two technical assistance documents focused on educating the public about unlawful discrimination related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) in the workplace.

DEI is a broad term that is not defined in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [ [link removed] ]. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race and sex. Under Title VII, DEI initiatives, policies, programs, or practices may be unlawful if they involve an employer or other covered entity taking an employment action motivated—in whole or in part—by an employee’s or applicant’s race, sex, or another protected characteristic.

In the past five years, DEI policies, programs, and practices have become increasingly prevalent in many of our nation’s largest and most prominent businesses, universities, and cultural institutions. The widespread adoption of DEI, however, does not change longstanding legal prohibitions against the use of race, sex, and other protected characteristics in employment.

To help educate the public about how well-established civil rights rules apply to employment policies, programs, and practices—including those labeled or framed as “DEI”—the EEOC and the DOJ today released a joint one-page technical assistance document, “What To Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work [ [link removed] ].” The EEOC also released a longer question-and-answer technical assistance document, “What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work [ [link removed] ].” Both documents are based on Title VII, existing EEOC policy guidance and technical assistance documents and Supreme Court precedent.

“Far too many employers defend certain types of race or sex preferences as good, provided they are motivated by business interests in ‘diversity, equity, or inclusion.’ But no matter an employer’s motive, there is no ‘good,’ or even acceptable, race or sex discrimination,” said EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas. “In the words of Justice Clarence Thomas in his concurrence in Students for Fair Admissions, ‘two discriminatory wrongs cannot make a right.’”

Lucas emphasized, “While the public may be confused about what rules apply to DEI, the law itself is clear. And there are some serious implications for some very popular types of DEI programs. These technical assistance documents will help employees know their rights and help employers take action to avoid unlawful DEI-related discrimination.”

“The Department of Justice is committed to ending illegal DEI initiatives, policies, and programs,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The technical assistance document provides clear information for employees on how to act should they experience unlawful discrimination based on DEI practices.”

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The EEOC investigates and litigates against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws [email protected] employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; the EEOC is responsible for investigating charges against state and local government employers before referring them to DOJ for potential litigation. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov [ [link removed] ]. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates [ [link removed] ].

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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20507
www.eeoc.gov [ [link removed] ] | [email protected]
800-669-4000 | 844-234-5122 (ASL Videophone)

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The information below is from the Great Plains ADA Center.

Parks & Recreation ADA Bootcamp
Registration Open for the first 60 Registrants Only!

Recreation is more than a pastime, it's an integral part of the human experience, with widespread advantages in preventing, alleviating, and managing disability and chronic conditions.

That’s why the Great Plains ADA Center is excited to extend an invitation to the Parks & Recreation ADA Bootcamp, happening August 12th thru 15th, 2025 at the Harkin Institute in Des Moines, IA. Registration is limited to the first 60 registrants!

For complete details, please visit the registration website [ [link removed] ]. Please be sure to read the information in all of the tabs.

Register Now! [ [link removed] ]

For information on the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP) check out the website here [ [link removed] ].

Great Plains ADA Center | 100 Corporate Lake Drive | Columbia, MO 65203

 

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