DHS Alters Discrimination Enforcement and Affirmative Action in Federal Grants

The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a new rule that significantly changes how discrimination is addressed within its federal grant programs. This decision eliminates 'disparate-impact' liability under Title VI, now requiring explicit discriminatory intent for penalties. Additionally, long-standing affirmative action provisions embedded in the agency's grant frameworks have been removed, aligning with a recent executive order.