Civil Rights Directives

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 2025

President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates March 25, 2025, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.

The proclamation commemorates the 204th anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing the enduring historical ties and shared democratic ideals between the two nations.

It highlights the ongoing strategic partnership between the US and Greece, particularly in defense and economic collaboration, and celebrates the rich contributions of Greek Americans to American society.

Removing Discrimination and Discriminatory Equity Ideology From the Foreign Service

Published: Wed 19th Mar 25

President Trump issued a memorandum to eliminate discrimination and what he terms “discriminatory equity ideology” from the Foreign Service. The memorandum directs the Secretary of State and other relevant Secretaries to revise hiring, promotion, and retention policies to be merit-based, prohibiting decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and the promotion of discriminatory equity ideology.

Existing criteria referencing ‘Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility’ are to be removed.

The Secretaries are tasked with investigating potential past discrimination and taking appropriate action.

Addressing Risks from Paul Weiss

President Trump issued an executive order targeting Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP for alleged misconduct and threats to national security.

The order directs a review of security clearances held by the firm's employees and Mark Pomerantz, mandates disclosure requirements for government contractors concerning business with Paul Weiss, and restricts government interaction with the firm.

The President cites alleged involvement in undermining the judicial process, racial discrimination, and actions taken against him by personnel from the firm as justification.

President Trump issued an executive order revoking several executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations issued by the Biden administration.

The order focuses on restoring common sense to the federal government.

Specific actions revoked include those related to COVID-19 response, foreign policy workforce revitalization, LGBTQ+ human rights, minimum wage for federal contractors, energy supply interruption, infant formula supply, solar energy, insulation, electrolyzers, heat pumps, biotechnology, multiple Department of Defense supply chains, and worker empowerment.

The order emphasizes that it does not create any new legal rights or benefits.

Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The President issued an order to revise the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

The order addresses concerns regarding the prior administration's misuse of taxpayer funds through the PSLF program and the program's role in subsidizing organizations involved in illegal activities, from immigration violations and terrorism support to child abuse and property damage.

The Secretary of Education is tasked with revising the program's definition of "public service" to explicitly exclude organizations engaging in such activities.

Addressing Risks from Perkins Coie LLP

President Trump issued an executive order addressing alleged misconduct by the law firm Perkins Coie LLP. The order directs a review of security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees, mandates the cessation of government contracts with the firm and entities doing business with it, and initiates investigations into allegations of racial discrimination.

The order aims to protect national security, ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds, and uphold the principles of equal opportunity and fair elections.

Designating English as the Official Language of The United States

This Presidential order designates English as the official language of the United States.

The order cites the historical use of English in foundational American documents, argues that a common language strengthens national unity and facilitates government operations, and encourages English language acquisition among immigrants.

The order also revokes Executive Order 13166 concerning services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency while stipulating that agencies may continue providing multilingual services as needed.

Keeping Education Accessible and Ending Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools

This Presidential order aims to prevent the use of federal funds for schools that mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for students.

It asserts that the low risk of severe illness for children and young adults makes such mandates an infringement on personal freedom.

The order directs the Secretary of Education to create guidelines regarding parental rights, religious freedom, and equal protection and to develop a plan to end coercive mandates, consistent with applicable law.

This plan includes identifying federal grants and contracts to non-compliant schools and outlining how to prevent future funding to such institutions.