Bondi’s Stunning Decision: DEI Discrimination Lawsuits Dismissed in One Move—What’s Next?

Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to end lawsuits targeting police and firefighter hiring practices. These lawsuits, initiated by the previous administration, accused law enforcement and fire departments of using aptitude tests that allegedly violated DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles, despite no evidence of intentional discrimination. Bondi emphasized that hiring should focus on expertise and commitment to public safety, not fulfilling DEI quotas. The prior administration’s push for DEI-focused hiring was seen as unjust, and it also sought taxpayer-funded compensation for less-qualified applicants based on statistical discrepancies. Bondi, along with President Trump, is committed to restoring merit-based hiring practices and eliminating unlawful discrimination, especially in public safety sectors, where prioritizing DEI over qualifications could jeopardize safety. This ruling is an early step toward eliminating DEI preferences in both public and private sectors.