Washington, D.C.–The U.S. Department of Justice today released new guidance aimed at ensuring recipients of federal funding do not engage in discriminatory practices—specifically warning against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that may violate federal anti-discrimination laws.

The guidance, issued under Attorney General Pamela Bondi, clarifies that programs and initiatives funded by the federal government must comply fully with civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, and other protected characteristics. This includes DEI-related efforts, regardless of their stated goals or intentions.

“This Department of Justice will not stand by while recipients of federal funds engage in illegal discrimination,” said Attorney General Bondi. “This guidance will ensure we are serving the American people and not ideological agendas.”

The guidance outlines both the legal risks of race-conscious or otherwise discriminatory practices and offers non-binding best practices to help schools, nonprofits, and other federal funding recipients comply with the law. Entities that fail to comply could face consequences, including the loss of federal grant funding.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added that the move is about reinforcing the foundational principles of equal treatment under the law. “The very foundation of our anti-discrimination laws rests on the principle that every American deserves equal opportunity, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics.”

The release comes amid heightened scrutiny of university DEI programs and follows several investigations by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the DOJ into race-based hiring and scholarship policies at higher education institutions.

The full guidance is available on the Department of Justice website.