Breakfast Briefing: DEI Law
- Jessica Lee
- 38 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A Career Built on Advocacy and Insight
Christy C. Dunn is an attorney with Young Moore and Henderson, P.A. in Raleigh and a trusted guide for employers navigating today’s employment landscape. She focuses on civil litigation, employment law, and insurance law. Christy represents employers, electric membership cooperatives, insurers, and long-term care facilities in civil litigation and defends long-term care facilities in compliance enforcement actions. Christy enjoys counseling employers and employees on employment law matters and advising electric membership corporations on easements and resolving easement disputes. She represents insurance companies in coverage and bad faith litigation and advises them on first-party and third-party coverage matters.
What’s Changing in DEI Law?
During 2025 the legal environment around DEI shifted significantly. In January 2025 a new executive order directed federal agencies to discontinue DEI programs and eliminate DEI‑related positions within 60 days. The order rescinded Executive Order 11246, which had required affirmative‑action programs for federal contractors. While this change has broad impact on federal agencies and contractors, private‑sector employers not doing business with the federal government face no new restrictions but are encouraged to monitor future regulatory guidance. Federal contractors should evaluate their affirmative‑action plans and DEI initiatives and watch for further updates from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Despite the uncertain environment, the core principles behind diversity and equitable treatment remain embedded in civil‑rights law. Mrs. Dunn highlighted that anti‑discrimination statutes, fair‑hiring practices and workplace‑harassment laws continue to apply; ignorance of these obligations can expose businesses to costly litigation. Her practical advice keep clear records, train managers and consult counsel early resonated with the executives and attorneys present.
Rotary’s Continued Commitment to DEI
Rotary has been working for several years to make its clubs welcoming and inclusive. Rotary’s DEI statement, first adopted in 2019 and strengthened in 2021, affirms that Rotary values diversity across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, religion, socioeconomic status and gender identity and strives to create an inclusive culture where everyone knows they are valued.
The organization recognizes that people from certain groups have historically faced barriers to membership and leadership and commits to advancing equity so that each person has access to opportunities and support.
Building on this foundation, Rotary conducted a global assessment with PwC and identified eight themes to guide its DEI work. Two key themes relevant to club members are:
Inclusive leadership expectations and training: Rotary discovered that DEI policies vary by region, so it is now emphasizing inclusive leadership, creating DEI training for club, regional, district and senior leaders, and expecting leaders to model behavior outlined in the DEI Code of Conduct.
Improving awareness and resources: Many members were unaware of Rotary’s DEI commitment and resources. Rotary has created a hub on the My Rotary platform where members can download the DEI Code of Conduct, learn DEI terminology, and access training courses to help clubs support DEI locally.
These initiatives show that even as government mandates shift, Rotary remains committed to building inclusive environments and expects its leaders and members to do the same.
Why We Serve
Service has always been at the heart of Rotary. Mrs. Dunn’s guidance on responsibly navigating DEI law underscores Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.” Ensuring that workplaces are fair and compliant isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s a way to serve employees, customers and the broader community. Rotary’s DEI initiatives reinforce this ethic by ensuring that every member regardless of background feels welcome and empowered to contribute. By staying informed about legal requirements and embracing inclusivity, Rotarians can lead by example in their businesses and communities. Our service projects become more impactful when they reflect diverse perspectives and inclusive practices.
Like to Join Us?
If you’re curious about how Rotary blends professional development with community service and want to hear informative talks like Mrs. Dunn’s why not join us for breakfast? We meet every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Carolina Country Club. You’ll find a warm welcome, lively discussions and maybe even a lawyer or two who can make DEI law sound almost exciting. Bring your appetite and your questions—no secret handshake required.
