Kathmandu— The United States federal government experienced a substantial reduction in its commitment to civil rights enforcement under the recent administration, according to a 112-page report released Thursday by Human Rights Watch. The analysis details how key agencies—including the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, the Office of Civil Rights at the Education Department, and others—saw significant staff reductions and a de-emphasis on proactive civil rights work between January 2025 and early 2026. This shift occurred amidst broader policy changes targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, leaving communities with diminished access to federal support in discrimination cases.

Agencies Under Scrutiny

The Human Rights Watch report focused on four key federal agencies tasked with upholding civil rights: the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, the Office of Civil Rights at the Education Department, the Fair Housing Office at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Researchers interviewed current and former federal employees, legal professionals, complainants, and community groups involved in discrimination cases to build a comprehensive picture of the changes underway. The report also reviewed court filings and agency directives to illustrate the shift in priorities during President Trump’s second term.

Historical Context of Federal Enforcement

The federal government's involvement in civil rights protection dates back to the US Constitution, with early protections like freedom of religion established in 1791. Following the Civil War, amendments were added to guarantee equal protection under the law. The Department of Justice, created in 1870, played a crucial role in prosecuting violent white supremacist groups when local authorities failed to act. The US Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s further spurred federal infrastructure development, notably with the establishment of a dedicated civil rights division within the Justice Department through the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

Policy Shifts and DEI Backlash

President Trump’s second term saw a move away from policies related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI), which had gained prominence after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Trump publicly criticized DEI as “racially discriminatory,” arguing during his campaign that there was an “anti-white feeling” in the country. His administration subsequently sought to reverse policies perceived as giving unfair advantages to women and minorities, suspending certain cases involving sexual harassment and transgender rights while opening new investigations, including one against Nike alleging discrimination against white employees. In May 2025, the Department of Justice halted investigations and reform agreements with police departments accused of racial discrimination in cities like Louisville and Minneapolis.

Report Findings: Staffing and Case Dismissals

The Human Rights Watch report documented a weakening of federal civil rights protections through job cuts and resignations. The Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice saw its staff of 365 lawyers dwindle to approximately 90 by the end of 2025, driven by what the group called a “coordinated effort to undermine career staff.” Similarly, the Office of Fair Housing shrank from 31 staffers to just 11, and 115 complaints were dismissed. At the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, seven out of twelve offices were closed, and half of the civil rights workers departed. The office also significantly increased its rate of complaint dismissals, rejecting around 90 percent of nearly 10,000 received between May and September 2025.

Impact on Communities

The report found that many victims and communities facing discrimination were left without federal support. One community housing group reported a lack of timely responses from the Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding anti-LGBTQ discrimination complaints. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights also reduced its oversight role, requiring policy changes or monitoring in only 59 cases during a six-month period in 2025—down from 336 cases over a similar timeframe in 2024. One example cited was the case of a mock “slave auction” involving students in Springfield, Massachusetts, which is no longer being pursued by the Office of Civil Rights.

The Justice Department maintains that its Civil Rights Division remains dedicated to protecting the rights of all Americans and has added 100 personnel since the initial departures. The division currently prioritizes religious liberty, Second Amendment rights, women’s and girls’ spaces, and parental rights in education.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.