“Defending DEI programs against DOJ's civil rights fraud initiative,” Westlaw Today

In an article published on Westlaw via Reuters, Partners Carolyn Small and Betsy Henthorne and Associate Rebekah Lee examine the Department of Justice’s newly launched Civil Rights Fraud Initiative and the growing enforcement risks it poses for organizations that receive federal funding and operate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

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The authors analyze the DOJ’s novel use of the False Claims Act (FCA) against recipients of federal funds allegedly violating civil rights laws. As they explain, recipients of federal funds may now face FCA scrutiny based on DEI-related certifications—marking a significant shift from the statute’s traditional focus on financial fraud.

The article outlines how organizations can defend against this new line of enforcement by relying on established FCA elements: falsity, scienter, and materiality.

“Organizations should act promptly to develop a comprehensive defense strategy, including documenting good-faith compliance efforts, preserving evidence of how DEI programs were implemented and disclosed, and preparing to challenge each element of the government's case,” the authors conclude.

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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

“Defending DEI programs against DOJ's civil rights fraud initiative,” Westlaw Today

In an article published on Westlaw via Reuters, Partners Carolyn Small and Betsy Henthorne and Associate Rebekah Lee examine the Department of Justice’s newly launched Civil Rights Fraud Initiative and the growing enforcement risks it poses for organizations that receive federal funding and operate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Read More

The authors analyze the DOJ’s novel use of the False Claims Act (FCA) against recipients of federal funds allegedly violating civil rights laws. As they explain, recipients of federal funds may now face FCA scrutiny based on DEI-related certifications—marking a significant shift from the statute’s traditional focus on financial fraud.

The article outlines how organizations can defend against this new line of enforcement by relying on established FCA elements: falsity, scienter, and materiality.

“Organizations should act promptly to develop a comprehensive defense strategy, including documenting good-faith compliance efforts, preserving evidence of how DEI programs were implemented and disclosed, and preparing to challenge each element of the government's case,” the authors conclude.

Related Locations

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

News and Insights

Event

Associate Steven Arango to Speak at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair

On September 18, Associate Steven Arango will speak on a panel at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair (VLCF), the only legal career fair in the United States dedicated to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.

September 18, 2026

Publications

In American Banker, Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon Weighs in on OCC's Handling of Fintech Bank Charter Applications

Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon spoke with American Banker about how the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is approaching bank charter applications from fintechs, amid a growing wave of companies seeking charters from federal regulators.

August 18, 2026

Event

Partner David Greenwald to Speak at PLI Program on Privilege and AI

On August 17, David Greenwald will speak at "Fitting New “Tech” Into the Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Protection," a virtual program hosted by the Practising Law Institute (PLI).

August 17, 2026