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In It to Win It

(12,315 posts)
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 02:22 AM Feb 2025

Pam Bondi Instructs Trump DOJ to Criminally Investigate Companies That Do DEI

https://www.yahoo.com/news/pam-bondi-instructs-trump-doj-023036827.html


On Wednesday evening, newly installed Attorney General Pam Bondi sent staff in several divisions of the Department of Justice more than a dozen memos within a 15-minute span, laying out the agency’s new policies on issues ranging from reviving the death penalty, to targeting sanctuary cities, to enforcing a strict return-to-office policy.

One astonishing memo, seen by Slate, puts the DOJ at the center of President Donald Trump’s widespread efforts to destroy any traces of initiatives that would create inclusive and diverse workspaces, otherwise known as DEIA. The new memo claims that it will target private sector DEIA initiatives for potential “criminal investigation.”

It’s hard to overstate both the constitutional wreckage this crusade will leave in its wake and the havoc it could wreak on the American workforce.. In the name of protecting constitutional rights, Bondi’s Justice Department is teeing up an all-out assault on fundamental First Amendment rights to speak, organize, and associate. (A request to the DOJ for more information about the memo had not been responded to as of press time.)

The memo, headed with the subject line “ENDING ILLEGAL DEI AND DEIA DISCRIMINATION AND PREFERENCES,” instructs the Civil Rights Division, historically charged with protecting the rights of vulnerable minorities, and the Office of Legal Policy, to take a number of steps to attack any private companies that prioritize diverse workforces through DEIA programs. Bondi has given those departments a March 1 deadline to submit a report with their “recommendations” “to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including policies relating to DEI and DEIA.”

The memo then asks for a list of business “sectors of concern within the Department of Justice” and the “most egregious and discriminatory DEI and DEIA practitioners in each sector of concern.” It also asks for “litigation activities” and “other strategies” to target these private sector companies, evidently envisioning a coordinated, agency-wide onslaught that would divert many attorneys’ attention away from their normal areas of practice. Bondi says the DOJ will also be working with the Department of Education to make sure that universities are in compliance with the administration’s new anti-DEIA mandate.
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Pam Bondi Instructs Trump DOJ to Criminally Investigate Companies That Do DEI (Original Post) In It to Win It Feb 2025 OP
*more than a dozen memos within a 15-minute span, laying out the agency's new policies on issues elleng Feb 2025 #1
What criminal statute does she plan to use to prosecute companies that have diversity equity and inclusion initiative? tulipsandroses Feb 2025 #2
So they are trying to scrap the ADA act of 1990 Historic NY Feb 2025 #32
So they are going to go after Costco ? JI7 Feb 2025 #3
yes, they are already going after Cosco Skittles Feb 2025 #11
So they are going to go after Chick Fila ? JI7 Feb 2025 #4
they will get around to them Skittles Feb 2025 #12
They won't touch them. They are an evangelical Christian company. Phoenix61 Feb 2025 #30
Trumpism is clearly driven by some combination radius777 Feb 2025 #5
This message was self-deleted by its author morillon Feb 2025 #6
The ferocity of this assault on "DEI" is like some religious rage Arazi Feb 2025 #7
This is how fascism works. Mike Niendorff Feb 2025 #8
This message was self-deleted by its author morillon Feb 2025 #14
From "DEI" to "WUE" ... Mike Niendorff Feb 2025 #9
Maybe White, Oppressive, Exclusion.....WOE LiberalLoner Feb 2025 #21
DEI and DEIA came about because of unchecked discrimination Jarqui Feb 2025 #10
Anyone opposing DEI in our country has definitely been the bad guys Arazi Feb 2025 #23
As we here all know, DEI was trying to help right hundreds of years of wrongs Jarqui Feb 2025 #24
I'm really distressed at how many places have capitulated Arazi Feb 2025 #25
It is beyond depressing for me ... Jarqui Feb 2025 #36
Establishing herself, right off the bat, as a good little Trumpzi. Buns_of_Fire Feb 2025 #13
So basically it's illegal to not discriminate. Nixie Feb 2025 #15
She took Gaetz job. Hugin Feb 2025 #17
+1 dalton99a Feb 2025 #22
A flagrant violation of the First Amendment.... Hugin Feb 2025 #16
I'm trying to understand how government can control private companies' hiring practices. But Nanjeanne Feb 2025 #18
If she were on our side Trump would call her blondie. GreenWave Feb 2025 #19
Does anyone still think EndlessWire Feb 2025 #20
Sick people, sick beyond words. Passages Feb 2025 #26
Costco is wildly successful, Tweedy Feb 2025 #27
What if it's part of a company's BELIEF SYSTEM (like Hobby Lobby)? underpants Feb 2025 #28
$25,000 atreides1 Feb 2025 #29
Bondi; why are you taking a 'man's' job? You look like a DEI hire. Norrrm Feb 2025 #31
So (checks list): 1) no Public or Private sector jobs for Black People anymore, and AZJonnie Feb 2025 #33
DEI is not a quota system. It's a "don't discriminate" system. haele Feb 2025 #34
There is nothing remotely illegal about DEI practices or systems and THEY KNOW IT. Wiz Imp Feb 2025 #35

elleng

(141,926 posts)
1. *more than a dozen memos within a 15-minute span, laying out the agency's new policies on issues
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 02:31 AM
Feb 2025

ranging from reviving the death penalty, to targeting sanctuary cities, to enforcing a strict return-to-office policy.

One astonishing memo, seen by Slate, puts the DOJ at the center of President Donald Trump’s widespread efforts to destroy any traces of initiatives that would create inclusive and diverse workspaces, otherwise known as DEIA. The new memo claims that it will target private sector DEIA initiatives for potential “criminal investigation.”

It’s hard to overstate both the constitutional wreckage this crusade will leave in its wake and the havoc it could wreak on the American workforce.. In the name of protecting constitutional rights, Bondi’s Justice Department is teeing up an all-out assault on fundamental First Amendment rights to speak, organize, and associate. (A request to the DOJ for more information about the memo had not been responded to as of press time.)'

tulipsandroses

(8,131 posts)
2. What criminal statute does she plan to use to prosecute companies that have diversity equity and inclusion initiative?
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 02:42 AM
Feb 2025

Is she going to go after them for building a wheelchair ramp too?

JI7

(93,197 posts)
4. So they are going to go after Chick Fila ?
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 02:55 AM
Feb 2025

Valuing difference

Our similarities and differences strengthen us as we unite around something bigger than ourselves.

We seek to understand and honor our unique experiences and perspectives.

Ensuring equal access

We intentionally promote equal opportunity through our processes and practices.

We strive to provide personalized development and eliminate barriers to opportunities so all can thrive.

https://www.chick-fil-a.com/dei


Phoenix61

(18,702 posts)
30. They won't touch them. They are an evangelical Christian company.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 11:50 AM
Feb 2025

Corporate Purpose
To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
https://www.chick-fil-a.com/about/company
I was on the board of a local non-profit. We were having a lunch meeting and I was called and asked what I wanted from Chik-fil-a. I told them I’d rather starve than support that restaurant. Apparently I wasn’t the only one. Lunch came from a different restaurant.

radius777

(3,921 posts)
5. Trumpism is clearly driven by some combination
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 02:56 AM
Feb 2025

of white supremacy and white victimhood. 'They're ripping us off' is how Trump thinks about everything, always feeling that an undeserving 'other' is getting one over on him.

Response to In It to Win It (Original post)

Arazi

(8,697 posts)
7. The ferocity of this assault on "DEI" is like some religious rage
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 03:45 AM
Feb 2025

The anger and hyper focus on banning diversity, equality and inclusivity is just the same old ugly racism and sexism

Mike Niendorff

(3,637 posts)
8. This is how fascism works.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 04:59 AM
Feb 2025

Once you've conditioned people to act on rage and forego reason, all you have to do then is present them with a state-approved target.

And then it's off to the races.

We've seen this movie many, many times before. We just didn't think it could happen here. Well, surprise, it can.


MDN

Response to Arazi (Reply #7)

Mike Niendorff

(3,637 posts)
9. From "DEI" to "WUE" ...
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 05:06 AM
Feb 2025

No more "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion".

Now it's all about "White, Unequal, Exclusion".

Let's put a name on it. Maybe "WUE" doesn't have a great ring to it, fair enough, but somebody here has to be a poet. Let's hear some ideas.


MDN

Jarqui

(10,823 posts)
10. DEI and DEIA came about because of unchecked discrimination
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 05:09 AM
Feb 2025

How any non-white race could support Republicans is beyond me

Arazi

(8,697 posts)
23. Anyone opposing DEI in our country has definitely been the bad guys
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 10:33 AM
Feb 2025

This administration now joins the ranks of the KKK, Nazis, white supremacists etc.

It’s been shameful watching corporations and organizations fall into this trap.

This leads nowhere good

Jarqui

(10,823 posts)
24. As we here all know, DEI was trying to help right hundreds of years of wrongs
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 11:30 AM
Feb 2025

I was promoting MLK in my schoolyard before they shot him.
Been fighting for this for a long time - but not nearly as long as those who really suffered.
You'd think the horrific shame of what has gone on would be enough.
But obviously, for Trumpsters, it is not. They want more - for it to continue. They can't hack the competition.

To see this effort by Trump et al, I'm sick about it.
Decades of efforts being rolled back and getting rid of the yardsticks to monitor it.

It will never work long term. Nature always finds a way to correct an imbalance.
The Trumpsters/MAGAts are too fucking ignorant and prejudiced to realize it until it is too late.

I'm getting so I can't read or watch the news anymore - frustrated that I can't find a meaningful way to fight back.

Arazi

(8,697 posts)
25. I'm really distressed at how many places have capitulated
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 11:41 AM
Feb 2025

This administration’s absolutely feral assault reminds me of a lynching mob mentality.

Obviously racism is pervasive in American life but the eager rush to overthrow decades of progress in “righting those wrongs”, is totally depressing.

Hang in there

Jarqui

(10,823 posts)
36. It is beyond depressing for me ...
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 01:13 PM
Feb 2025

It is hurtful for me and all I did was make a consistent effort over the years which is nothing compared to those who were victimized. My hurt is for them. What do they tell their children? Where do they find hope and a fair shake? The President, his administration and the party in control are stomping on the dreams of these people. The peaceful way advocated by Dr. King has failed them as have we. I fear the days ahead will not be peaceful and I doubt I will blame them for lashing out. What alternative do they have? The oligarchs probably need a good dose of not feeling safe and that they have gone too far in order to bring about change. How sad for a country that used to be the envy of the world: justice is not for all.

Buns_of_Fire

(19,005 posts)
13. Establishing herself, right off the bat, as a good little Trumpzi.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 05:23 AM
Feb 2025

"It's never too early to bend down and pucker up," as Mike Johnson would say.

Nixie

(17,937 posts)
15. So basically it's illegal to not discriminate.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 05:59 AM
Feb 2025

Isn’t Pam a DEI hire? She’s taking a man’s job.

Hugin

(37,421 posts)
16. A flagrant violation of the First Amendment....
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 06:10 AM
Feb 2025

Last edited Thu Feb 6, 2025, 06:49 AM - Edit history (1)

What do the Retrumplicans have against people making money?

First of all DEI is a straw man. A mobile goalpost that is defined as whatever the Retrumplicans say it is in order to threaten and intimidate.

Secondly, if there wasn’t any money in pursuing DEI (whatever the definition), money making business wouldn’t do it. I guarantee there’s more money in DEI than there is in White Male Supremacy. Just by sheer inertia alone.

Nanjeanne

(6,506 posts)
18. I'm trying to understand how government can control private companies' hiring practices. But
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 06:45 AM
Feb 2025

the government can’t control CEO salaries.

EndlessWire

(8,103 posts)
20. Does anyone still think
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 07:25 AM
Feb 2025

that we will ever have a free and fair election ever again? By the time 4 years is over, we will have such laws in place that we will not be able to campaign against trumpism, no freedom of speech, and we will be completely straitjacketed.

This Bondi person has no excuse. They are criminalizing DEI hiring practices? Effing around with our universities? We need to make sure that the whole lot of them are "destroyed," not just Trump. We need to sweep them ALL out of Government.

I'm not sure how so many MAGA voted for trump, if they did, but if they did, this is going to affect them all, sooner or later. So, hope they're happy! I especially hope that the USSC chokes on their knees before trump. They could have stopped this government takeover. They don't deserve their robes.

I hope Clarence and Ginny especially see what they have done. They are traitors times two, if you get my meaning. And anyone who enables the Hitler wannabe should be exiled at the very least. Maybe one of those countries offering to jail American criminals will take them in.

Passages

(3,986 posts)
26. Sick people, sick beyond words.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 11:44 AM
Feb 2025

Welcome to the sewer, where hate is preferred above all else...oh and money.

Tweedy

(1,284 posts)
27. Costco is wildly successful,
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 11:46 AM
Feb 2025

Hires based on merit ( rather than the GOP wingnut welfare circuit), and is beloved by its customers and stockholders.

Apparently such success is just anathema to the GOP. I doubt Ms Bondi can find a jury that will convict.

underpants

(194,864 posts)
28. What if it's part of a company's BELIEF SYSTEM (like Hobby Lobby)?
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 11:47 AM
Feb 2025

Didn’t SCOTUS say businesses can have beliefs?

AZJonnie

(2,783 posts)
33. So (checks list): 1) no Public or Private sector jobs for Black People anymore, and
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 12:12 PM
Feb 2025

2) No Hispanic immigrants working the (cotton) fields anymore.

Golly, I wonder what these racist fucks have in mind? Once SNAP and TANF are disposed of or drastically cut (which seems inevitable), the fix will officially be in.

haele

(15,074 posts)
34. DEI is not a quota system. It's a "don't discriminate" system.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 12:15 PM
Feb 2025

It says you can't just look at race or gender if those aren't objective, measurable requirements for the job.
Unlike, say, a pharmaceutical safety research, you may need paid participants in a certain age, gender, and racial groups for your study, most jobs have certain critical criteria that is essentially gender neutral.

A candidate might need a certain level of strength or other physical operational characteristics (vision, hearing, lung capacity), stamina, or physical flexibility.
A candidate might need a certain talent, level of mental or emotional acuity, specific training, certification, or experience.
But the candidates's gender and race really won't have anything to do with those measurable skills.

DEI means the employer or project manager should choose the most qualified person(s) for the job without considering superficial characteristics; not pick a glossy stock photo representation of the job candidate -
- unless, of course, the job requires marketing some superficial product to mediocre incels, brainless Nepo-Babies, or cranky retirees reliving their 1950's Happy Days.

Wiz Imp

(8,930 posts)
35. There is nothing remotely illegal about DEI practices or systems and THEY KNOW IT.
Thu Feb 6, 2025, 12:52 PM
Feb 2025

If they move forward with this, it will be one gigantic waste of money and accomplish nothing.

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