The direct impact of EO 14185 is eliminate staff and programs at DOD and DHS and create two reports - one on DEI and one on DOH/DHS implementation of this Executive Order. The indirect impact may be both widespread and generational, affecting diverse recruitment, representation, economic opportunity, and career advancement among historically underrepresented groups in the Armed Forces. The elimination of DEI programs and education on the painful part of U.S. past history, may hinder equitable access to military careers and leadership advancement.
Executive Office of the President - White House Office
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.
Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.
Date Enacted
January 27, 2025
Last Updated
July 15, 2025
Policy Type
Justice System
LGBTQI+ Health
Global Health
Summary
This Executive Order directs the elimination all diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and programs within the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard. It also instructs the Secretary of Defense to conduct an internal review and write a report . It also attempts to limit the speech and educational freedom of DOD staff, educators, instructors, contractors and members from the Armed Forces by prohibiting debate on topics the Administration deems "un-American."
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
E.K. v. Department of Defense Education Activity - Case no. 1:25-cv-00637 - https://clearinghouse.net/case/46415/
Take Institutional Action
- Mobilize public awareness campaigns, highlighting the importance of culturally competent care in improving military and veteran health outcomes.
- Adjust workforce development strategies to preserve inclusive practices without violating federal mandates.
- Ensure continued investment in recruitment pipelines that support underrepresented populations without using race or gender as the sole factor.
- Sign joint letters with military health partners, veterans’ health advocates, and academic institutions in support of inclusive training and education.
- Expand partnerships in communities to provide mentoring, technical expertise training, and leadership opportunities.
- Offer resources (interpreters, translated materials,community liaisons) to remove barriers to parent participation in the development curriculum that reflects thediverse histories, identities, and contributions of all student communities.
- Provide all staff and support staff with mandatory professional development training on implicit bias and cultural responsiveness.
Associated or Derivative Policies
EO 14168 -https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/30/2025-02090/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal
EO 14173 - https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/31/2025-02097/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity
Policy Prior to 2025
Additional Resources
Congressional Black Congress Foundation - https://www.cbcfinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Restoring-Americas-Fighting-Force-Fact-Sheet.pdf
