A Step Backward: Alarming Return of Segregated Facilities in Federal Contracts

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent REMOVAL OF THE PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES CLAUSE from federal contracting regulations. The General Services Administration (GSA) memo now states: “FAR 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities will not be considered when making award decisions or enforcing requirements.” This statement is deeply troubling. It is not only unconstitutional to implement such a significant change without proper notice and a public comment period, but it is also unchristian and bigoted. Removing explicit prohibitions on segregated facilities in federal contracts undermines decades of civil rights progress and threatens to further divide our nation. This policy change was made without the standard public notice period—a process typically reserved for national emergencies. Such blatant avoidance of transparency and public input is an affront to democratic principles. It sends a dangerous message that segregation and discrimination may now be tolerated within government-funded institutions. The removal of this clause signals a retreat from the government’s responsibility to uphold equal rights. As a nation that has fought hard to dismantle systemic discrimination, we cannot allow such backsliding. It is not enough to rely on previous laws; we must ensure that our policies continue to reinforce justice and equality, not dismantle them. This change contradicts the moral and ethical foundation upon which our nation was built. I urge you to TAKE A STAND against this decision and immediately work to reinstate these protections in federal contracting regulations. Our government should be leading the fight against discrimination, not enabling it. Please your constituents know how you plan stand on this critical issue.