Prohibition against discrimination and preferential treatment

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the Federal Government nor any officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Government shall— (1) intentionally discriminate against, or grant a preference to, any person or group based in whole or in part on race, color, or national origin, in connection with— (A) a Federal contract or subcontract; (B) Federal employment; or (C) any other federally conducted program or activity; or (2) require or encourage a Federal contractor or subcontractor, or the recipient of a license or financial assistance, to discriminate intentionally against, or grant a preference to, any person or group based in whole or in part on race, color, or national origin, in connection with any Federal contract or subcontract or Federal license or financial assistance.