America must work for everyone. As people across the United States grapple with the rising cost of living — from increasing rent and homeownership prices to spending more at the grocery store — the country needs leaders committed to advancing economic prosperity for all, especially for Black communities who face persistent barriers to opportunity. In order to develop and sustain a thriving economy and democracy, we must ensure everyone can access quality education, good jobs, and entrepreneurial opportunities without the unfair burden of discrimination.
Unfortunately, there is a concerted campaign underway to rollback civil rights protections that bring economic prosperity into focus for Black communities. Grounding our democracy in the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility opens the door to a future that is morally sound and economically prosperous. Opponents of progress must not be allowed to use their tactics of division and distraction to prevent America from achieving this goal. If, like us, you believe in increasing fairness and equal opportunity, please explore this page and video series and consider sharing any resources that might be beneficial to your communities.
Since its founding in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund has fought for the rights of Black Americans to work, live, and thrive without racially imposed barriers.
We have many tools at our disposal to dismantle racially imposed barriers and build bridges to economic success for Black Americans.
In our increasingly multiracial democracy, talent and skill come from people of all backgrounds—and when given the opportunity we see just how impactful they can be.
If you are interested in joining the conversation about protecting equal opportunity, we invite you to explore our social media toolkit, which includes helpful guidance and resources to show public solidarity for the unifying principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
If you have experience with programs meant to increase access to opportunity in education, employment, or other sectors, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs, consider telling us your story. In speaking openly about your triumphs and struggles, you not only validate your own experience, but also amplify the voices of others who may feel silenced. You can fill out this submission form to learn more and share your story.
On Feb. 19, 2025, the Legal Defense Fund and Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of nonprofit advocacy organizations challenging three anti-equity executive orders from President Trump related to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and transgender people.
These executive orders are designed to chill and prohibit lawful efforts to advance equal opportunity by spreading disinformation and distorting federal laws to advance an agenda based on division and hate. This resource breaks down the executive orders and their impact.
In a recent “Dear Colleague” letter, the Department of Education grossly misstates the law and threatens to cut funding to pre-K-12 schools, colleges, and universities that invest in steps to level the playing field for students, faculty, and staff. Because this letter is designed to instill fear and sow confusion, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
We must proactively advance a vision of equal opportunity for all and counter anti-civil rights roadblocks. In this framework for equal opportunity, we offer a framework for how to move the country toward this goal at this historical inflection point — and highlight how the Equal Protection Initiative is playing a role in making that happen.
To learn more about our work to defend and advance the full dignity and citizenship of Black people in America, visit our Equal Protection Initiative page or check out our We Were Built for This page.
With your support today, you’ll support Legal Defense Fund attorneys and advocates working to advance equal opportunity. Can we count on your support? Donate here
