Karoline Leavitt Pressed On Admin. Memo Taking 'Segregation' Out Of Criteria For Federal Contracting

 

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Karoline Leavitt Pressed on Admin Memo Removing ‘Segregation’ from Federal Contracting Criteria

Washington, D.C. – March 21, 2025 – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced tough questions on Thursday regarding a recently surfaced memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that reportedly removed “segregation” as a criterion for federal contracting.

During the press briefing, a reporter pressed Leavitt about the intent behind the memo and whether the administration was planning to reinstate such language in federal policies.

"The administration is getting some attention this week for a memo that was released a couple of weeks ago, taking segregation out of the criteria for federal contracting," the reporter asked. "Can you explain what that memo was supposed to do?"

Leavitt responded by deferring to the agency responsible for issuing the memo, stating that she had not personally reviewed it.

"I would defer you to whichever agency wrote that memo," Leavitt stated. "I haven't seen it, so I can't speak to it."

The memo in question has sparked debate about its implications for federal contracting policies. Critics argue that removing explicit language regarding segregation could weaken anti-discrimination measures, while supporters suggest it may be a bureaucratic update with no real impact on civil rights protections.

The controversy comes amid broader discussions about the administration’s approach to federal contracting guidelines and equity initiatives. The White House has yet to provide further clarification on whether the change will affect enforcement of anti-discrimination policies in federal contracts.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

FAQs: OPM Memo and Federal Contracting Criteria

1. What is the controversy surrounding the OPM memo?

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reportedly issued a memo that removed "segregation" as a criterion for federal contracting. This has raised concerns about whether the change weakens anti-discrimination policies.

2. Did the memo come directly from the White House?

No, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the memo was issued by an agency—likely OPM—rather than the White House itself. She deferred specific questions to the agency responsible.

3. What was the intent behind removing ‘segregation’ as a criterion?

The administration has not yet clarified the rationale behind this change. It remains unclear whether this is a routine policy update or if it reflects a shift in enforcement priorities.

4. Will this affect federal contracting anti-discrimination rules?

There is currently no official statement indicating that the government will relax anti-discrimination measures in federal contracting. However, critics worry that such a change could weaken protections.

5. How has the administration responded to concerns?

Karoline Leavitt stated she had not personally seen the memo and directed further inquiries to the responsible agency. The administration has not yet made a detailed statement on the policy shift.

6. Are there any plans to reinstate ‘segregation’ as a criterion?

There is no confirmation yet on whether the administration plans to reverse the change or provide further clarification.