Trump’s Executive Order Dismantling Department of Labor Protections Is a Direct Attack on Black and Marginalized Communities

America has always been far more comfortable with its myths than its truths. The U.S. Department of Labor has been ordered to cease enforcement of protections under Executive Order 11246, a cornerstone of civil rights progress that prohibited discrimination by federal contractors.

Executive Order 11246 demanded that federal contractors confront the systemic discrimination built into this country’s bones. It wasn’t revolutionary; it was merely a reminder that equality is not an ideal—it’s an obligation. It was born of the Blood sweat & tears of those who fought for our rights. Now, in its absence, we are left with the same bullshit rhetoric: “merit-based opportunity.” But what is merit in a society that has ALWAYS decided who is worthy based on race, gender, and power?

The language of “merit-based opportunity” replaces accountability. But in a country where wealth and opportunity were built on the backs of enslaved people, what does “merit” really mean? It’s privilege in disguise, an excuse to maintain the status quo. With no enforcement mechanism, federal contractors are no longer obligated to address disparities or prevent discrimination. History has shown us what happens when institutions founded in racism and misogyny are left to police themselves—they never do.

EO 11246 sought to chip away at the systemic inequities that plague hiring practices. Its rescission is a message: the fight for equality is not only unfinished but actively under attack. While it wasn’t enough to undo centuries of injustice, but it was a step. Its removal signals this country’s discomfort with facing the consequences of its history. It is far easier to dismantle accountability than it is to dismantle systemic oppression. Historically, America did not mind the illusion of progress—it only resisted when progress demanded sacrifice.

Today, America is openly showing its disdain for any and all things that would acknowledge Blackness or advance the progress thereof will be met with disdain and direct opposition- not subtlety but blatant disregard.

What does this mean for Black people, for women, for marginalized communities? It means fewer protections, fewer opportunities, and fewer ways to challenge the systems that continue to deny Our humanity. It means we are all we got. Truthfully, I believe we are all we need. This is a reminder of what we have always known: the battle for equality is not about policies. It is about power And what the wrong people will do with power when they are afraid of the People’s Power. Our power is not theirs to take… it is Ours to command.

“Merit-based opportunity” is the language of oppressors determining and assessing what qualifies as merit while simultaneously denying meritorious opportunities. The illusion of Neutrality benefits the system as much as a deck of cards favors the dealer in the casino.

What do we do? We organize. We build for ourselves We fight for ourselves. We reject their systems. We build our own. We take care of each other with intentionality. We don’t remain silent.

America loves its myths, but we must live in truth. And the truth is this: America was built on the backs of the oppressed. Its progress has always been fought for, not freely given.

I think we have to stop waiting for America to tell us who it is going to be to US and we have to start telling Each other and America who we are GOING TO BE REGARDLESS of what it tries to be to us, do to us, or exclude us from.