Florida issues policy memo cracking down on law firms who affirm DEI, ESG mandates

The University of Michigan recently made headlines as they announced the closure of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, joining a growing number of educational institutions that are scrambling to avoid scrutiny from the Trump administration. This move comes as Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a new policy that prohibits law firms with DEI initiatives from working with the attorney general’s office as outside counsel.

Uthmeier expressed his concerns about what he sees as discriminatory practices being embraced and amplified by many law firms across the nation. In a policy memo, he stated, “If we are truly committed to the rule of law, then we must be truly committed to equal justice under law. DEI and ESG practices flout those bedrock principles.” The new policy implemented by the Florida AG’s office immediately bans law firms with a history of racially discriminatory practices from collaborating with the state unless they can demonstrate significant changes.

The ban specifically targets law firms involved in DEI programs such as Mansfield Certification, minority diversity scorecards, and racial diversity targets in hiring, promotions, and contracting. Additionally, practices like diversity fellowships, mentorship programs, hiring websites, and workplace trainings focused on DEI are under scrutiny. Firms participating in third-party diversity programs and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks may also be disqualified.

This move by the Florida AG’s office comes amidst a larger pushback against DEI programs and initiatives at both the federal and state levels. President Trump has been vocal in his criticism of such programs, leading to actions like the Stop WOKE Act in Florida that restricted DEI training in the workplace. However, some of these measures have faced legal challenges, with courts ruling that they violate free speech rights.

In response to these developments, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed legislation banning public funding for DEI programs in colleges and universities. The state’s high court is even considering eliminating the requirement for law students to graduate from American Bar Association-accredited schools due to the ABA’s diversity mandates.

As these debates and policies continue to unfold, it is clear that DEI initiatives are facing increased scrutiny and pushback in various sectors. The closure of the DEI office at the University of Michigan and the new policy implemented by the Florida AG’s office are just the latest examples of this ongoing trend.