Report on United States Department of Agriculture Policy Revisions Regarding Program Eligibility Criteria

1.0 Executive Summary

On July 10, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule to remove racial and gender-based preferences from its programs, except where such criteria are explicitly mandated by congressional statute. This policy revision is a direct response to a Federal District Court ruling that found previous preferential treatments to be unconstitutional. The department’s initiative aims to realign its operations with principles of equality, merit, and fairness, thereby contributing to several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequality and strengthening institutional justice.

2.0 Background and Legal Context

The policy change was precipitated by a Federal District Court decision which ruled that the use of race- and gender-based criteria in the administration of certain USDA programs was unconstitutional. The USDA’s subsequent publication of the final rule codifies the removal of these non-statutory discriminatory preferences. This action is presented as a foundational step in a broader departmental effort to ensure all programs are administered based on merit and need, rather than demographic characteristics.

3.0 Key Policy Directives and Actions

The USDA has initiated several measures to implement this new non-discriminatory framework. These actions are designed to ensure compliance with the court’s ruling and promote equal opportunity across the agricultural sector.

1. Publication of Final Rule: Formal removal of requirements for the use of racial and gender preferences in USDA programs where not mandated by an act of Congress.
2. Review of Funding Allocation: A comprehensive review of funding under the Inflation Reduction Act has been directed to ensure resources are utilized efficiently and in accordance with the department’s mission and non-discriminatory principles.
3. Rescission of DEI Programs: A secretarial memorandum was issued to rescind all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the department as part of an ongoing review to eliminate discriminatory practices.

4.0 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The USDA’s policy revisions align directly with the global agenda for sustainable development by reinforcing principles of equality and institutional integrity.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This policy strongly supports the objectives of SDG 10, which calls for reducing inequality within and among countries.

  • Target 10.2: By aiming to provide access to programs based on merit and need, the USDA’s action promotes the social and economic inclusion of all persons, irrespective of race or sex.
  • Target 10.3: The core of the new rule is to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome by eliminating discriminatory policies and practices, directly fulfilling the mandate of this target.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The rule’s prohibition of gender-based preferences is a significant step toward achieving SDG 5.

  • Target 5.1: The policy contributes to ending all forms of discrimination against women by ensuring that access to agricultural support is not determined by gender.
  • Target 5.c: It adopts and strengthens sound policies for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women at all levels.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The reform enhances the accountability and fairness of the USDA as a public institution, a key component of SDG 16.

  • Target 16.6: By responding to a judicial ruling and implementing transparent, merit-based criteria, the USDA is developing more effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.
  • Target 16.b: The final rule is a direct implementation of the call to promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article directly addresses this goal by discussing the removal of “gender preferences” in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. The policy change aims to eliminate discrimination based on gender, which is a core objective of SDG 5.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This is a central theme of the article. The new rule targets the elimination of “discriminatory racial…preferences” to ensure all individuals are treated equally, irrespective of their race or sex. This aligns with SDG 10’s aim to reduce inequalities within countries and ensure equal opportunity for all.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article discusses a legal and institutional reform within a government body (USDA). By publishing a “final rule” to correct actions deemed “unconstitutional” and “illegal,” the USDA is taking steps to build what it frames as a more accountable, fair, and non-discriminatory institution, which is a key aspect of SDG 16.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

   The article is centered on this target. The USDA’s publication of a “final rule removing requirements for the use of discriminatory racial and gender preferences” is a direct action to eliminate policies the current administration considers discriminatory.

2. Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

   The article highlights the enforcement of non-discriminatory principles. It states that the previous policy was “found to be unconstitutional by a Federal District Court” and the new rule is an action to “eliminate discrimination in any form at USDA,” thereby enforcing a non-discriminatory policy framework.

3. Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality.

   The “final rule” represents a new policy intended to ensure that USDA programs do not discriminate on the basis of gender. This is a clear example of adopting a policy to change institutional practices related to gender equality.

4. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of…sex, race…or other status.

   The article’s stated goal is to return the USDA to an “agency based on merit and fairness,” where taxpayer dollars are not given out “based on the color of their skin.” This reflects a policy shift aimed at promoting inclusion based on merit rather than racial or gender identity.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Existence of a legal framework to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non‑discrimination on the basis of sex, race, and other grounds.

   This is directly indicated by the article’s main subject: the publication of the “final rule removing requirements for the use of discriminatory racial and gender preferences.” The rule itself is a measurable indicator of a new legal framework.

2. Rescission of discriminatory programs.

   The article explicitly mentions a measurable action that serves as an indicator: “On day one, Secretary Rollins issued a memorandum to rescind all DEI programs.” The removal of these programs is a specific, trackable measure of the policy’s implementation.

3. Changes in resource allocation criteria.

   The article implies a shift in how funds are distributed. It mentions the new administration “directed USDA to review Inflation Reduction Act funding” to ensure it is used based on “merit or need” rather than race. A change in the criteria for fund allocation would be a key indicator of progress toward the stated goal.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: morningagclips.com