by Tyla A. Swinton Federal contractors who want to continue receiving federal funding, while also maintaining their diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (“DEIA”) policies and programs, can often feel like they are juggling glass balls. And conservative campaigns that push companies to eradicate DEIA programs entirely, add another level of...
By Hannah R. Brefeld With the Supreme Court’s oral argument docket coming to an end, many are curious what the outcome will be for the “reverse racism” case heard this term: Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services,[1] where the plaintiff claims her employer discriminated against her because she was...
RPJ’s Deena Merlen was recently interviewed by Business Insider about Microsoft’s large-scale waves of layoffs. Asked whether Microsoft’s recent actions are actually unlawful, Ms. Merlen noted that some employees may seek to argue that they were chosen to be included in the layoffs not because of non-discriminatory, performance-based reasons as...
As civil rights activists recently called on consumers to mount a one-day boycott of Target in late February, Vogue Business asked, “Is a consumer boycott brewing in the US?” That question has been squarely answered as calls for such boycotts have multiplied in protest of companies retreating from their diversity,...
By Alice K. Jump, Ethan Krasnoo, and Deena Merlen In his inaugural speech on January 20th, President Trump articulated his vision for America under his administration, promising to create a “colorblind and merit-based” society. On January 21st, President Trump signed an Executive Order (one of many he has penned in...
by Nafsika Karavida Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are an essential part of how companies create fair and equitable workplaces. However, the way DEI is implemented can vary significantly between the United States and Europe. These differences are shaped by cultural, legal, and regulatory factors, resulting in distinct approaches...
RPJ Managing Partner Helen D. (Heidi) Reavis was recently interviewed by Above the Law’s Staci Zaretsky to discuss how RPJ, a progressive women-led law firm, has fostered its culture and ways in which other law firms might work to accomplish the same. Ms. Reavis emphasizes the role of support, flexibility,...