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Work Not Woke Act
12/15/2023, 3:57 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2712
Specifically, the Work Not Woke Act aims to prevent federal agencies, contractors, and grantees from conducting training sessions or promoting materials that teach concepts such as critical race theory, white privilege, or gender identity politics. The bill argues that these concepts are divisive and harmful to workplace morale and productivity.
Supporters of the Work Not Woke Act believe that it is important to maintain a neutral and inclusive work environment free from controversial and politically charged ideologies. They argue that promoting these concepts can lead to discrimination and division among employees. Opponents of the bill argue that it restricts free speech and stifles important conversations about race and gender in the workplace. They believe that addressing issues of systemic racism and inequality is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment. Overall, the Work Not Woke Act is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate about how to address issues of race and gender in the workplace. It remains to be seen whether this bill will gain enough support to become law.
Congressional Summary of HR 2712
Work Not Woke Act
This bill prohibits certain training that includes race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating.
Specifically, the uniformed services shall not teach, instruct, or train any member of the services to believe any concepts that include race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating.
Government contracting agencies must include in each government contract provisions stating that the contractor shall not use any workplace training that inculcates any form of race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating. The Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must establish a hotline and investigate complaints alleging that a federal contractor is utilizing such training programs in violation of the contractor's obligations.
All federal agencies must review their grant programs and identify programs for which the agency may, as a condition of receiving a grant, require the recipient to certify that it will not use federal funds to promote certain concepts that include race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating.
The bill requires the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget to take specified actions regarding review of agency training.
The Department of Justice should continue to assess the extent to which workplace training that teaches race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating may contribute to a hostile work environment and give rise to potential liability under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The bill prohibits obligating or expending federal funds to carry out specified executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
