In certain circumstances, the Attorney General may bring actions against contractors or subcontractors with the federal government or contractors or subcontractors on federally-assisted contracts to enforce the requirements of Executive Order 11246, as amended. Executive Order 11246 forbids discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin by such contractors or subcontractors. The Department of Labor, which retains primary enforcement responsibility, may, if unable to obtain compliance, refer the case to the Department of Justice for appropriate legal proceedings. The text of Executive Order 11246, as amended, is set forth immediately following Section 2000e of Title 42 of the United States Code.

[updated March 2018]