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DOJ Launches Civil Rights Fraud Initiative to Combat Civil Rights Violations, Including DEI, Through the False Claims Act
Miller & Chevalier – On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative (CRFI), through which the DOJ plans to leverage the False Claims Act (FCA) against entities that receive federal funds and allegedly engage in discriminatory practices. According to the memorandum, the CRFI “will utilize the False Claims Act to investigate and, as appropriate, pursue claims against any recipient of federal funds that knowingly violates federal civil rights laws.” Federal contractors and other entities that receive federal funding should consider potential investigative and enforcement risks and implement measures to mitigate these risks.