Nu OriginsIn recent months, the U.S. government has enacted a series of policies and executive orders that disproportionately and adversely affect Black Americans. These measures span various sectors, including criminal justice, civil rights, education, and employment, collectively signaling a systemic undermining of progress made towards racial equality.
Rescission of Policing Reforms
One of the most significant actions has been the revocation of Executive Order 14074, initially signed in 2022 to promote accountable policing and enhance public trust, particularly within Black and brown communities. This order sought to reform policing practices by restricting no-knock warrants, banning chokeholds, and establishing a national database for police misconduct. The rescission of this order on January 20, 2025, removes critical federal oversight designed to protect Black Americans from discriminatory and violent policing practices.
The absence of these protections may lead to an increase in unchecked police misconduct and a deterioration of trust between law enforcement and Black communities. Historically, Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by aggressive policing tactics. Eliminating federal guidelines aimed at curbing such practices could exacerbate these disparities, resulting in further marginalization and injustice.
Promotion of Punitive Criminal Justice Policies
The administration’s endorsement of Project 2025 introduces an extremely punitive approach to justice, based on the erroneous assumption that harsher punishments lead to less crime. This initiative calls on the Department of Justice to do “everything possible” to execute individuals currently on federal death row and expands the number of cases that qualify for a death sentence. Given the racial disparities in the application of the death penalty, with Black individuals disproportionately represented, this policy shift threatens to exacerbate existing injustices within the criminal justice system. The Thurgood Marshall Institute at LDF+1The Thurgood Marshall Institute at LDF+1
Deportation Practices: The administration has utilized the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, despite judicial orders halting such actions. This approach has raised legal and ethical concerns, especially regarding due process and the treatment of marginalized communities. The Guardian
Disbanding of Misconduct Database: In February 2025, the Department of Justice eliminated its national database that tracked misconduct incidents among federal law enforcement officers. This database had recorded 4,790 cases of misconduct between 2018 and 2023. Its removal raises concerns about the transparency and accountability of federal law enforcement agencies.
Dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
Another significant action has been the issuance of executive orders mandating the termination of all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs within federal agencies, labeling them as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” and “public waste.” The immediate consequences of these orders have been profound. Federal agencies were directed to dissolve offices dedicated to DEI efforts, terminate related contracts, and remove DEI content from official websites. This purge extended beyond the intended scope, leading to the erasure of historical acknowledgments of contributions made by marginalized groups. For instance, the Department of Defense deleted profiles of notable Black military figures, such as Sergeant William Carney, the first Black Medal of Honor recipient, under the guise of complying with the executive order.
The elimination of DEI programs not only erases the recognition of Black contributions but also hampers efforts to address systemic biases within federal institutions. These initiatives were instrumental in promoting inclusive hiring practices, equitable workplace environments, and the dismantling of institutional racism. Their removal signifies a regression in the pursuit of workplace equality and diversity.
Educational Reforms Undermining Black Advancement
The administration’s educational policies also raise concerns regarding their impact on Black students and educators. The signing of an executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education signals a significant shift in federal involvement in education. While critical functions like managing student loans and Pell grants are retained, the downsizing of the department could lead to reduced enforcement of civil rights protections in schools.
Additionally, the reinterpretation of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include supposed discrimination against whites represents a shift towards an educational framework that may neglect the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Black students. This reinterpretation could create a climate of fear around teaching Black history or discussing systemic racism, potentially considering these teachings as discriminatory.
Such policy changes threaten to reverse decades of progress in educational equity, limiting opportunities for Black students and stifling critical discussions about race and history in educational settings.
Educational Reforms
Significant changes in educational policies have potential implications for Black students and educators: Reduction of the Department of Education: On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to significantly shrink the federal Department of Education. This move has raised concerns among educators and civil rights organizations about the potential impact on federal funding and support for marginalized communities. The Guardian
University Policy Changes: Facing pressure from the administration, universities such as Columbia University, the University of California, and Dartmouth College have begun altering their policies to align with conservative demands. These changes include cutting progressive initiatives, scrapping diversity policies, and restricting student activism, potentially affecting the support systems and representation of Black students and faculty.
Impact on Employment and Economic Opportunities
The executive orders targeting DEI programs extend into the private sector, particularly affecting federal contractors. Prohibitions against implementing DEIA employment programs for jobs created by federal contracts effectively prevent affirmative action measures by government contractors, potentially reducing employment opportunities for Black professionals in sectors reliant on federal contracts.
Furthermore, the ripple effect of these policies has led major corporations to reassess or terminate their diversity initiatives. Companies such as Salesforce, Amazon, Google, and Meta have announced the end of DEI programs, citing alignment with the new federal directives. This trend threatens to reverse the modest gains made in diversifying corporate America, thereby limiting economic advancement opportunities for Black individuals. Business Insider
Increased Climate of Racial violence
Since January 2025, there have been several incidents in the United States highlighting racial tensions and violence, particularly affecting Black communities. These events encompass police-involved shootings, the resurgence of white supremacist activities, and targeted attacks against marginalized groups.
Police-Involved Shootings and Misconduct
Several incidents involving law enforcement and Black individuals have occurred:
January 5, 2025 – Rock Island, Illinois: Jakarta Jackson, a 21-year-old Black man, was fatally shot by police during an attempted detention. Jackson allegedly fled and dragged an officer with his car, leading the officer to open fire. Wikipedia
January 6, 2025 – Houston, Texas: An unidentified 35-year-old Black male was shot and killed by police responding to reports of tire slashing. During a struggle, the man reportedly reached for an officer’s weapon, prompting another officer to shoot him. Wikipedia
February 5, 2025 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Maurice Jones, a 33-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by police under circumstances that have not been fully detailed publicly. Wikipedia
Resurgence of White Supremacist Activities
There has been a notable increase in white supremacist actions:
Ku Klux Klan (KKK) Activity in Kentucky: In January 2025, the KKK distributed racist flyers across Kentucky, urging immigrants to “leave now.” These flyers, featuring offensive caricatures and contact information, were condemned by local authorities and are under investigation. The Guardian+1The Guardian+1
Patriot Front’s Legal Repercussions: On January 13, 2025, a federal judge ordered the white supremacist group Patriot Front to pay approximately $2.7 million in damages to Charles M. Murrel III, a Black musician they attacked during a march in Boston in 2022. Wikipedia
Neo-Nazi Plot in Baltimore: Brandon Russell, a 29-year-old neo-Nazi, was convicted in February 2025 for conspiring to attack Baltimore’s power grid. His plan targeted the predominantly Black city, aiming to cause widespread disruption. People.com
Targeted Violence Against Black Individuals
Specific acts of violence have targeted Black individuals:
Death of Sonya Massey: In February 2025, the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother, received a $10 million settlement after she was fatally shot by a police deputy in her Illinois home nearly a year prior. The deputy involved faces first-degree murder charges. The Guardian
Killing of Tahiry Broom: On February 9, 2025, Tahiry Broom, a 29-year-old Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in Detroit. The suspect, Robert Ridges III, allegedly targeted Broom after an argument escalated during their meeting. Them
Civil Unrest and Legal Actions
Communities have responded to these incidents through legal channels:
Springfield, Ohio Lawsuit: In February 2025, Springfield filed a lawsuit against the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, accusing them of racially motivated harassment and intimidation against the city’s Haitian community. This legal action seeks to halt further threats and recover damages. AP News+1The Guardian+1
Conclusion
The recent policies and executive orders enacted by the U.S. government in 2025 collectively undermine the civil rights and progress of Black Americans. From rescinding critical policing reforms to dismantling DEI initiatives and altering educational and employment frameworks, these actions disproportionately harm Black communities. Such measures not only reverse decades of hard-fought progress but also perpetuate systemic inequalities, signaling a concerning trajectory for racial justice in the United States. Trump in only 3 months has also increased the level of racial tensions in America. What are we to do ?
