The Trump administration is taking another step to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies across the federal government, this time targeting hiring rules that critics say encouraged race-based employment decisions. Administration officials say the change will ensure federal jobs are awarded based on merit rather than demographic considerations.
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On Thursday, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced it is removing the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures, a set of federal hiring guidelines first adopted in 1978. The guidelines promoted the concept of “disparate impact,” which examines whether hiring practices produce unequal outcomes among racial groups, even if those practices are neutral on their face.
The Trump administration argues those guidelines encouraged federal agencies to prioritize race over qualifications when making hiring and promotion decisions. The move follows a Department of Justice opinion concluding that the guidelines are unconstitutional, and the new rule is expected to take effect 60 days after its issuance.
“Federal hiring should be based on merit, qualifications, and the ability to perform the job,” OPM Director Scott Kupor said. “This rule ensures OPM’s regulations reflect legal guidance while preserving the rigorous, job-related standards that help agencies recruit and hire the most qualified workforce in service to the American people.”
The decision is part of President Trump’s broader effort to eliminate DEI policies throughout the federal government. Shortly after returning to office, the president signed an executive order directing agencies to dismantle what the administration described as race- and sex-based preferences implemented under the banner of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Earlier this year, a federal appeals court upheld that executive order, allowing the administration to continue rolling back DEI programs in federal employment, contracting, and grantmaking.
While the administration has made significant progress at the federal level, the debate is far from over. Several Democrat-led states continue to defend DEI initiatives in government, education, and the private sector, setting up an ongoing legal and political battle over whether public institutions should pursue demographic outcomes or rely solely on merit-based standards.
Scripture reminds us that God “shows no partiality” (Romans 2:11). While governments must ensure equal treatment under the law, they should also administer justice impartially, without showing favoritism based on race, ethnicity, or any other outward characteristic. Let’s pray that our leaders would uphold fairness, pursue wisdom, and establish policies that honor both justice and the God-given dignity of every person.
Pray that government leaders would promote fairness, reject partiality, and make decisions that honor truth, justice, and the equal value of every person.
(Info taken from The National Pulse. Photo Credit: Official White House Photo by Emily J. Higgins)
