Source for Photo: The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination, just as other civil rights laws safeguard against discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. (Adobe Stock) Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service
(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)
(Harrisburg, PA) For Pennsylvanians with disabilities, there may be unexpected side effects to ending so-called “DEIA” policies. President Donald Trump has opted to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives in federal agencies and federally funded programs. His executive order signed in January characterizes DEIA policies as “discriminatory.” But in Pennsylvania, Mallory Hudson with Keystone Progress Education Fund says a memo went out ordering the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to not file any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed upon remands, amicus briefs or statements of interest. She adds the ADA was first passed in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush, and its legal precedent was based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.