The Trump Administration has lifted the federal contract ban on “segregated facilities”

A rule that forbade federal contractors from maintaining segregated facilities on the basis of gender or race has been overturned by the US government.

According to a US General Services Administration letter, the administration of US President Donald Trump has removed a clear prohibition on federal contractors using “segregated facilities” such dining establishments, drinking fountains, and waiting areas.

Despite being published a month ago, the memo was widely covered by media outlets on Tuesday after NPR’s story.

Trump has taken a number of actions since assuming office on January 20th to undermine efforts in the public and commercial sectors to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. In one executive order, policies pertaining to environmental safeguards for communities of color, equal employment opportunities, and initiatives to encourage diversity in federal contractor hiring based on gender, ethnicity, and religion that date back to 1965 were repealed. The goal of the 1965 order was to end discriminatory employment and hiring practices among government contractors.

According to the memo dated February 15, civil agencies shall no longer use the “Prohibition of Segregated Facilities” clause in new contracts or solicitations in accordance with Trump’s executive order.

Although segregation and discrimination are still illegal under federal and state law, civil rights activists cautioned that the action, while mainly symbolic, is part of a larger trend in Trump’s policymaking. They issued a warning that any action interpreted as undoing racial equality advances was worrisome.

Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump stated, “This change sends a CLEAR message, even though segregation is still illegal.”

Proponents contend that the measures Trump is reversing were intended to alleviate the long-term effects of structural injustices and assist underprivileged areas. Trump and his supporters, however, have justified the policies, saying they are intended to alleviate what they say is discrimination against men and white people, among other groups.