The Justice Department is gearing up to defend its use of diversity policies in selecting an independent monitor for overseeing a plea agreement with Boeing Co. This move sets the stage for a potential clash with a conservative judge in Texas, which could potentially delay the deal that Boeing is keen to finalize.
The dispute revolves around the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria in the selection process for corporate monitors. US District Judge Reed O’Connor has raised concerns about the use of DEI policies and has set a deadline for the administration to explain its rationale.
