Will the Recent "DEI" Executive Order Affect the NFL? (3 Viewers)

[RJ in Lafayette]

With trepidation, I raise this issue. Like nearly all of you, I have an opinion on the recently signed executive order that seeks to end race-based and other preferences. This is not the forum to discuss the merits of that executive order. Section 2 of the order directs all federal agencies to combat "illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities." Section 4 of the order is titled "Encouraging the Private Sector to End Illegal DEI Discrimination and Preferences." That section requires the Attorney General, after consultation with federal agencies and within 120 days of the order, to submit a report containing recommendations "to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI." Paragraph (b)(iii) states: "As part of this plan, each agency shall identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations of publicly traded corporations, large non-profit corporations or associations, foundations with assets of 500 million dollars or more, State and local bar and medical associations, and institutions of higher education with endowments over 1 billion dollars."

The NFL has policies to increase the number of minority or diverse head coaches and front-office executives. Specifically, there must be at least two personal interviews of Black or other minority candidates before a team can hire a new coach. And the league awards drafts picks to teams that lose minority employees for a high-ranking position with another team. (Note that I am offering a rough summary of the NFL's policies, which are commonly referred to as the "Rooney Rule.")

President Trump has a history with the NFL that dates back to his years as a USFL team owner and its unsuccessful antitrust lawsuit against the NFL. The executive order discussed above is several pages long. Feel free to read it. But given the scope of the order, I suspect this will be the last year we will see any application of the Rooney Rule.

The reason for this post is my belief that this executive order will impact the operations of the NFL. So that this thread can remain on SSF, I would ask that your comments be directed on whether the order applies to the Rooney Rule and not on the merits of the executive order or the Rooney Rule.

 

[St. Geezy]

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

this is me in post 3 not saying a **** thing

 

[3ParStillDriver]

No. From my understanding the order only effects government agencies, contractors and infrastructure that receive money from the federal government (like public schools, police forces, fire departments etc).

Private entities are still free to make their own policies.

But it could have a rippling effect. Already we're seeing private entities remove DEI policies as well. The NFL may not be far off.

Personally. I'm ok with it. I really truly believe the vast majority of Americans just don't care anymore about petty things like skin melanin. Hopefully, if it does occur my belief is proven correct. And that's all I'll say about it. I understand this is a very touchy subject for many, and I wish no offense nor arguments. So now that I think I covered it all that I'm willing to, I'll be leaving it alone.

 

[St. Widge]

This can not possibly be discussed on the SSF without violating the ToS and everyone getting into a big fight.

 

[AARPSaint]

1. What does DEI stand for?

2. Would this apply to the NFL, given its bizarre status?

Sorry, no answers, only questions— but it’s certainly an interesting point you raise.

 

[DerrickB]

I have no clue on this.

 

[MikeyF]

I think the Rooney Rule goes away but I don't think it will affect the hiring of black executives or coaches.
That door has been opened & proven wrong!

I understand why that rule was put into effect in the mid 1960's but it should have had an end date. I worked for the government for almost 35 years.
It ended up being discriminatory because the federal agency I worked for used it to give preference to one person over another...

 

[St. Widge]

1. What does DEI stand for?

2. Would this apply to the NFL, given its bizarre status?

Sorry, no answers, only questions— but it’s certainly an interesting point you raise.

It is interesting, but the first question has to be does the President even have this power over private companies and, despite the fact that it's really a legal question to which the answer is no, that is immediately going to turn into a political discussion.

 

[Grumpy Old Manatee]

With trepidation, I raise this issue. Like nearly all of you, I have an opinion on the recently signed executive order that seeks to end race-based and other preferences. This is not the forum to discuss the merits of that executive order. Section 2 of the order directs all federal agencies to combat "illegal private-sector DEI preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities." Section 4 of the order is titled "Encouraging the Private Sector to End Illegal DEI Discrimination and Preferences." That section requires the Attorney General, after consultation with federal agencies and within 120 days of the order, to submit a report containing recommendations "to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI." Paragraph (b)(iii) states: "As part of this plan, each agency shall identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations of publicly traded corporations, large non-profit corporations or associations, foundations with assets of 500 million dollars or more, State and local bar and medical associations, and institutions of higher education with endowments over 1 billion dollars."

The NFL has policies to increase the number of minority or diverse head coaches and front-office executives. Specifically, there must be at least two personal interviews of Black or other minority candidates before a team can hire a new coach. And the league awards drafts picks to teams that lose minority employees for a high-ranking position with another team. (Note that I am offering a rough summary of the NFL's policies, which are commonly referred to as the "Rooney Rule.")

President Trump has a history with the NFL that dates back to his years as a USFL team owner and its unsuccessful antitrust lawsuit against the NFL. The executive order discussed above is several pages long. Feel free to read it. But given the scope of the order, I suspect this will be the last year we will see any application of the Rooney Rule.

The reason for this post is my belief that this executive order will impact the operations of the NFL. So that this thread can remain on SSF, I would ask that your comments be directed on whether the order applies to the Rooney Rule and not on the merits of the executive order or the Rooney Rule.

Do we need to draw you a MAP?

 

[RJ in Lafayette]

3Par, regarding your first statement, can you cite a provision in the order that shows the order is limited to entities that receive money from the federal government? For instance, it expressly lists local bar associations.

And nobody died and made me a moderator. But if we start debating the merits of the order, this thread is not going to last one on the SSF.

Grumpy, please do, though a simple declarative sentence will suffice.

 

[Madmarsha]

I dunno, at least as far as the players, the NFL seems pretty merit based.

 

[kcirdor]

 

[Madmarsha]

This can not possibly be discussed on the SSF without violating the ToS and everyone getting into a big fight.

But don't you love us for trying?

 

[guidomerkinsrules]

not today Satan - not even on the ee