The US Labor Department extends the comment period on rescinding anti-discrimination rules

The US Labor Department is giving the public more time to comment on its plan to cancel rules that prevent discrimination by federal contractors. This means companies that do business with the government might soon face fewer requirements to ensure fair hiring and employment practices.

Executive Order 11246 has required federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities since 1965. Rescinding these regulations would remove a major lever the government uses to enforce non-discrimination and promote diversity among companies that receive federal funds. This could significantly alter hiring practices and workforce demographics in a large segment of the US economy.