DEI Landscape: Key Shifts and Strategic Planning for 2026

February 4, 2026

As federal agencies enter a new phase of DEI‑related oversight, the developments that unfolded in the past year continue to shape what grant‑funded organizations should expect next. More than a year after the new Trump Administration issued two landmark executive orders (EOs) seeking to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in the public and private sectors, federal funding recipients are still determining how these directives, along with eventual agency-level implementation, affect their policies, procedures, and compliance obligations.

This webinar will offer insight to the DEI sea change that occurred during the last twelve months and summarize the applicable legal systems and regulations. It will recap certifications and assurances that were added to many grants stating the receipt of federal funding will now require the recipient to attest that its compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decision under the False Claims Act and that the recipient also does not operate any “illegal DEI” programs. It will also cover the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) July 2025 memorandum entitled “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination” and important takeaways from the categories of conduct detailed in that document.

Looking to the future, this webinar will provide projections—and suggestions—as federal funding recipients continue to grapple with modifications to DEI programs. As the DOJ initiates investigations into DEI practices and programs, what can be expected from such investigations and what steps should federal funding recipients take now to mitigate risk?

Specific topics to be discussed include:

  • Review of Executive Orders 14173 “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” and 14151 “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing”
  • Summary of how agencies have implemented the EOs, including adding terms and conditions to grant awards
  • Insight into required certifications and assurances relating to compliance with federal anti-discrimination law and “illegal DEI”
  • Explanation of the Department of Justice’s July 2025 memorandum and how to conduct a programmatic review based on the guidance
  • Update on federal court litigation—and injunctions—relating to the administration’s DEI policies and interpretation
  • Projections for Department of Justice enforcement actions in 2026 and beyond
  • Core strategies for reviewing programs and policies now in preparation for eventual enforcement actions
The on-demand version of this webinar will be available for purchase one week after the conclusion of the live webinar. 

Target Audience

  • Executive Directors and CEOs
  • Senior Management
  • CFOs/Controllers/Fiscal and Accounting Team Members
  • Compliance Officers
  • General Counsel
  • Government Relations Team Members

Learning Objectives

After this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Understand the landmark changes to the government’s interpretation of DEI programs and policies that occurred in 2025
  2. Discuss how ongoing litigation is shaping current compliance obligations for recipients of federal funding
  3. Anticipate the Trump Administration’s next steps in 2026--including an emphasis on enforcement investigations—and develop strategies to prepare internally
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.25 Certificate of Attendance
  • 1.50 CPE
Course opens: 
01/09/2026
Course expires: 
03/05/2026
Event starts: 
02/04/2026 - 1:00pm EST
Event ends: 
02/04/2026 - 2:15pm EST
Cost:
$185.00
Add to calendar: 

Mindy B. Pava

Mindy serves as a Partner in the firm’s Litigation & Government Investigations, Federal Grants, Health Care and Education practice groups, where she focuses her practice on advising federal grantees (including research institutions and health centers) as they navigate all facets of administrative and judicial review. A seasoned litigator, Mindy has ample experience guiding clients through complex litigation matters in federal and state courts and advises clients on how to best mitigate risk when encountering a government investigation or regulatory review. [Full Bio]

Participants can earn up to 1.50 CPE credits in Specialized Knowledge and Applications upon completion of all course requirements.

Attendee Requirements for CPE Credit

If you purchase CPE credit for this webinar you must satisfy the following conditions in order to receive your certificate:

  1. Answer at least 5 of the polling questions during the webinar
  2. Complete the evaluation survey after the conclusion of the webinar or in the follow-up email

Upon completion of these requirements, we will email you your CPE Certificate within two (2) weeks.

Additional Information

  • Prerequisites: None 
  • Target Audience: Executive Directors and CEOs, Senior Management, CFOs/Controllers/Fiscal and Accounting Team Members, Compliance Officers, General Counsel, and Government Relations Team Members
  • Advanced Preparation: None  
  • Program Level: All
  • Delivery Method: Group Internet Based

Feldesman LLP is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website www.nasbaregistry.org (formerly www.learningmarket.org).

Available Credit

  • 1.25 Certificate of Attendance
  • 1.50 CPE

Price

Cost:
$185.00
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Access to the recorded version of this webinar is included in your purchase.

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