Federal Policy on DEI: Impact and Legal Challenge for Chicago Nonprofit
Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT), a nonprofit organization, participated in the annual Tradeswomen Build Nations conference in Chicago. Staff from CWIT led a parade that included thousands of female construction workers.
Organizational Background and Funding
CWIT was established in 1981, following a 1965 executive order by President Lyndon B. Johnson and subsequent Labor Department requirements for federal contractors to increase female participation in construction. The organization's mission is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by recruiting and assisting women in qualifying for union construction jobs. Approximately 70% of CWIT participants identify as Black or Latina. As of January, federal grants from the U.S. Labor Department constituted about 40% of its annual budget.
Trump Administration's Executive Orders on DEI
Following his inauguration, President Trump signed executive orders addressing what he described as "race- and sex-based preferences." These orders directed government agencies to discontinue DEI-related work and instructed government contractors and grantees to end programs promoting it. The administration also rescinded President Johnson's 1965 executive order, which had mandated proactive steps by federal contractors to ensure non-discrimination. Trump stated his administration would prioritize merit, contrasting it with what he termed a "pernicious identity-based spoils system."
One provision within Trump's executive orders required federal contractors and grantees to certify that they are not operating programs promoting DEI that violate applicable federal anti-discrimination laws. The orders indicated that knowingly submitting false information could result in civil and criminal penalties.
CWIT's Legal Challenge and Operational Concerns
Chicago Women in Trades initiated legal action against Trump's executive orders. The organization expressed concerns regarding the potential loss of federal grants and the impact of the certification provision on its partnerships with labor unions and contractors. Jayne Vellinga, CWIT Executive Director, stated that the lack of clarity on what constitutes "illegal DEI" created an uncertain operational environment for the organization.
White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that the Trump administration aimed to support the skilled trades workforce, describing a focus on "DEI boondoggles that accomplish nothing" as a characteristic of previous approaches.
Training Programs and Industry Responses
CWIT operates a free, 10-week training program that introduces women to various construction trades, basic skills, and physical readiness. Participants, such as plumbing apprentices Kaitlyn Truty, Charlie Willoughby, and Juliet Silvestre, credited the program with facilitating their entry into the industry.
In an related development, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, representing over half a million workers, disbanded its "Sisters in the Brotherhood" program earlier this year. The union's General President, Douglas McCarron, cited legal risk associated with identity-based initiatives. The program has been replaced with an engagement program open to all members.
Judicial Rulings and Pending Appeal
U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly in the Northern District of Illinois issued a preliminary ruling in April, blocking the termination of one of CWIT's federal grants. Judge Kennelly also blocked the certification provision from Trump's executive order for Labor Department contractors and grantees nationwide, determining that CWIT was likely to demonstrate irreparable harm if the provision remained in effect.
The Trump administration has appealed this part of Judge Kennelly's decision to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. The administration's appellate argument posits that the provision primarily mandates grantees to verify compliance with existing federal anti-discrimination laws. A hearing date for the appeal has not yet been scheduled.
Jayne Vellinga noted that women currently comprise less than 5% of the nationwide skilled trades workforce, providing context for the ongoing legal and policy discussions.