Workforce Convo Recap: Advancing Workforce Equity in a Shifting Policy Landscape
The national conversation around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is undergoing significant shifts, with policy changes like removing DEIA initiatives in favor of a merit-based approach gaining traction. These changes aim to eliminate bias, but they risk overlooking the systemic inequities that prevent many individuals from competing on an equal footing. At the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), our mission to build an antiracist workforce development system remains steadfast. We believe in breaking down systemic barriers to employment that disproportionately affect Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities.
As discussed during this week’s Workforce Convo, the lingering effects of the funding freeze that many nonprofits are facing, combined with the rescinding of President Lyndon Johnson’s Executive Order 11246 and the gutting of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EEOC, could exacerbate the inequities that women, people of color, and people with disabilities already experience in the workforce. It is essential to continue pushing back against these attacks on equity and advocate for policies that protect the progress made in this area. As we gather data and develop clear messaging, we must advocate for policies prioritizing economic disadvantage, not just merit, to help ensure equitable outcomes in the workforce.
“We are in need of data collection,” CEO Dr. Lisa Bly-Jones stated, ”We have to stay focused. We have to have a multi-prong approach.”
Understanding the Challenge
Merit-based systems are often presented as neutral and fair, focusing on skills, performance, and qualifications. However, this perspective assumes that everyone starts on equal ground. According to a 2021 report by the National Equity Atlas, "Black and Latino workers are twice as likely as white workers to earn less than a living wage, a disparity rooted in systemic barriers to education and job opportunities." For many job seekers, systemic barriers—such as access to quality education, professional networks, and resources—undermine their ability to compete purely on merit.
The resounding impact of federal policy changes has compounded these challenges in this shifting landscape. President Trump’s administration has signed a series of executive orders rescinding DEIA initiatives and threatening funding for programs to support marginalized communities. Many organizations have already experienced the consequences of frozen funds, impacting their ability to support workforce development efforts.
Here are the four points CJC plans to start on when building our advocacy plan:
Highlighting the Value of Workforce Development: Emphasize workforce development's essential role in fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and ensuring a thriving local economy.
Challenging the Narrative Around DEIA: Actively push back against the rollback of DEIA efforts, particularly the rescinding of President Lyndon Johnson’s Executive Order 11246 and the gutting of the EEOC, which undermine equity in workforce development.
Addressing the Federal Funding Freeze and Its Impact on Local Organizations: Advocate against the federal funding freeze, which poses a significant threat to local organizations relying on this support to serve communities and job seekers.
Strengthening the State's Role in Workforce Development: Leverage the power of state-level policies and actions to support workforce development initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with local needs and bolster long-term success.
Advocacy for Workforce Development
Amid these challenging times, CJC is committed to advocating for the workforce development system that upholds the values of equity and inclusion. We are working to ensure that workforce policies, including those regarding training, skills development, and employment, address the systemic inequities that continue to disproportionately affect people of color, women, and other marginalized communities.
The news we’ve been hearing daily is discouraging. Significant progress has been made since Executive Order 11246 was enacted in 1965, but it now feels like we are taking major steps backward as a country. As an intermediary, we will not stay silent. We will advocate for what is right and continue to speak out on behalf of the workforce development field and its partners.
In this Black History Month, themed around "African Americans and Labor," it’s especially ironic that equity in the workforce is under attack. This time reminds us of the fierce battles civil rights leaders fought for equality and how we must continue that fight today.
Moving Forward Together
At CJC, we remain focused on the critical work of dismantling systemic barriers to employment and creating pathways to opportunity for all. As CJC Director of Policy and Advocacy, Jacob Sitati, reminds us, "Equity is not just a moral imperative; it’s an economic one. Building an equitable workforce is smart because it benefits everyone, including businesses and not just those directly impacted."
We are committed to navigating this shifting landscape and advancing equal opportunities in workforce development as we move forward. Let’s fight for a workforce system that works for everyone, advocating for fairness and inclusion to ensure that merit-based systems do not overshadow the need for equity. Together, we can make an impact.
For more context on recent policy developments, see the National Council of Nonprofits’ Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits. This chart outlines executive orders signed by President Trump and their potential implications for non-profits. Updated frequently, it’s an essential resource for staying informed. Another way you can take action today is to share your stories with members of Congress and the National Skills Coalition.
