Why Trump’s new memo on segregation has civil rights advocates concerned
Donald Trump overturned a 1965 executive order signed by Lyndon B. Johnson banning segregation for federal contractors.
Donald Trump’s administration has lifted a ban on “segregated facilities” for federal contractors - private businesses paid for by taxpayers - including in waiting rooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains.
This ban on segregated facilities was put into place by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 after he signed the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The ban was lifted through a memo issued by the U.S. General Services Administration in February 2025, but media outlets have only just started to take notice.
I learned about this earlier today, but I had to compose myself before posting—because this breaks a part of my soul.
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) March 19, 2025
If you’re a contractor with a segregation policy, say it loud—so non-white dollars don’t fund your business. It won’t go how you think.
And if anyone uncovers… pic.twitter.com/x5y46GYgem
Moving backwards: Trump’s ban on segregation has civil rights activists concerned
The change comes after Trump’s executive order aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government and the private sector. The memo removes provisions that prohibit segregation in contracts with federal agencies.
The memo states: “When issuing new solicitations or contracts do not include any of the following provisions and clauses...”
Underneath, it lists both “Prohibition of Segregated Facilities” and “Equal Opportunity”.
There are still federal and state laws in place which prohibit discrimination and segregation, but civil rights activists are concerned about this move as a part of Trump’s policies which undo protections for marginalized groups and argue that it undermines the progress made in addressing inequities.
“While segregation is still illegal, this change sends a CLEAR message,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump said.
Trump and his supporters defend the move by claiming it somehow removes discrimination against other groups, like white people and men.
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