In a recent Bloomberg Law article, “Trump’s DEI Order Creates Murky Fraud Risks for Contractors,” reporter Khorri Atkinson explores a number of issues including the possibility that the False Claims Act could be used against federal contractors if they do not comply with Trump’s recent executive order prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner weighs in, offering the order is “riddled with ambiguities” and has “no definition section. What jumped out is that the order uses buzzwords that Republicans have used to attack DEI efforts,” and states “the FCA could potentially be litigants preferred legal route.” However, he adds, “It’s very possible to maintain some form of intentional effort to boost inclusivity without running afoul” of the new administration’s order and the law.”
Read the full article as it appeared in Bloomberg Law (PDF)
The founder of Halunen Law, Clayton Halunen spent more than 25 years as a trial lawyer seeking justice for employees, from delivery drivers to CEOs, in individual, class action, and whistleblower cases. Raised in northern Minnesota by parents who both experienced workplace discrimination, he built his career holding powerful companies accountable for illegal conduct, including some of the largest corporations in the country. His work includes a $1.5 billion settlement in a pharmaceutical fraud False Claims Act whistleblower lawsuit. Learn more about Clayton Halunen.
