California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with attorneys general from across the nation, has submitted four joint comment letters opposing a proposal by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to roll back regulations that implement key anti-discrimination laws. These laws include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The coalition argues that these regulations are essential for protecting against various forms of discrimination, including those based on sex, disability, race, and national origin.
Attorney General Bonta expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes: “Let me be clear: these rollbacks don’t ‘Make America Great Again.’ These rollbacks are nothing less than an attack on the fundamental American promise of equal opportunity.” He emphasized that they would not stand by as civil rights protections are diminished.
The targeted regulations have historically ensured equity and access in areas such as education, healthcare, and housing within federally funded programs. The coalition argues that weakening these protections undermines decades of progress in civil rights.
The DOE’s recent proposal involves using a direct final rule process, which allows for a shortened public comment period and puts new rules into effect unless significant adverse comments are received. This process could lead to eliminating standards prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, and disability in federally funded programs.
In their comment letters, the attorneys general highlight several concerns:
– Without regulations under Title VI and Title IX, federal funding recipients would lose important tools for addressing discrimination.
– Repealing Section 504 requirements would remove federal standards for accessible design in buildings used by DOE recipients.
– The proposed rollbacks violate the Administrative Procedure Act due to insufficient evidence supporting them.
Copies of the comment letters include requests for immediate withdrawal or significant adverse comments regarding various aspects related to nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs or activities.
