The direct impact of this memo (https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1388556/dl) is the creation of a report to the Attorney General. It does not change federal law, nor does it independently terminate any specific program or position within the Department. However, its indirect impact is a chilling effect across the Department of Justice, discouraging efforts to strengthen mission execution through staff trainings on topics such as inclusive leadership and unconscious bias. Additionally, it seeks to frame DEI and DEIA initiatives as conflicting with federal civil rights laws, rather than as measures that support and advance those laws.
Department of Justice
An internal instruction issued by a government agency outlining policies, procedures, or actions to be followed by agency employees. While not legally binding outside the agency, these directives guide agency operations and decision-making.
Who It Impacts: Employees and divisions within the issuing federal agency. These directives guide how staff enforce regulations, allocate resources, and interpret laws. They may also affect industries regulated by the agency.
Who Is Not Impacted: The general public and businesses are not directly bound by agency directives, though these policies may indirectly influence enforcement practices that affect them.
Date Enacted
February 5, 2025
Last Updated
June 30, 2025
Policy Type
Justice System
LGBTQI+ Health
Immigrant Health
Summary
In this memo the U.S. Attorney General directs the agency to report to the Attorney General all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) and environmental justice programs and positions at the U.S. Department of Justice as well as any contractor, vendor, grant or expenditure that worked in this area. The memo directs the agency to take all legal steps to end reference to DEI, DEIA and Environmental Justice in their programs and trainings.
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
Take Institutional Action
• Institutions should review current grants and contracts to identify any with source funding from the Department of Justice and complete a risk assessment of how the memo may impact the funding. In select instance, the institution may want to partner with another organization to reduce the risk of a funding recission.
• Institutions should document, research and publish the impact of inequality and exclusion on health outcomes in their community.
• Of note, the memo is explicit that it does not prohibit educational, cultural, or historic observances—such as Black History Month, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or similar events—that celebrate diversity, recognize historical contributions, and promote awareness without engaging in exclusion or discrimination and therefore institutions should continue those important community building activities.
Associated or Derivative Policies
Policy Prior to 2025
Additional Resources
New DOJ Memos Target Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices Under Attorney General Pamela Bondi (https://www.ballardspahr.com/insights/alerts-and-articles/2025/02/new-doj-memos-target-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-practices-under-attorney-general-pamela-bondi)
