Attorney General Pam Bondi Revises Disparate Impact Regulations, Affecting Civil Rights Compliance
Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a significant revision to the regulatory guidance concerning the legal doctrine of 'disparate impact.' This doctrine, which has been a cornerstone of civil rights enforcement, allows for claims of discrimination based on outcomes rather than intent. Under the previous regulations, institutions receiving Justice Department grants were required to avoid actions that could unintentionally result in racial or ethnic disparities. Bondi's revisions aim to reduce the compliance burden on these institutions, such as police departments and universities, by eliminating the requirement to address unintentional disparate outcomes. The changes follow an executive order by President Trump targeting this practice, emphasizing that intentional discrimination remains illegal.