March 17, 2025 Story by: Editor
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court on Friday lifted a nationwide injunction on executive orders aimed at ending government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, marking a legal victory for the Trump administration. The decision follows multiple legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s policies.
The ruling, issued by a three-judge panel, permits enforcement of the orders while the lawsuit against them continues. The appeals court overturned a block placed by U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore.
Two judges from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals acknowledged that Trump’s push against DEI could raise First Amendment concerns but found that the initial injunction was overly broad.
“My vote should not be understood as agreement with the orders’ attack on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Judge Pamela Harris wrote. The panel consisted of two judges appointed by President Barack Obama and one appointed by Trump.
Legal Battle Over DEI Programs
Judge Abelson had previously ruled that the executive orders likely violated free speech rights and were unconstitutionally vague, as they lacked a clear definition of DEI.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an order directing federal agencies to terminate all “equity-related” grants or contracts. A second order required federal contractors to certify that they do not promote DEI.
The city of Baltimore and other organizations sued the Trump administration, arguing that the executive orders were an unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority.
The Justice Department defended the measures, asserting that the president was targeting only DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws. Government lawyers argued that federal spending should align with the president’s priorities.
Abelson, who was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the orders discouraged businesses, organizations, and public entities from openly supporting DEI initiatives.
Debate Over DEI Policies
Republicans have long criticized diversity efforts, arguing that such programs undermine merit-based hiring, promotions, and educational opportunities, particularly for white individuals. Supporters, however, maintain that DEI initiatives help institutions serve increasingly diverse populations and address systemic racial disparities.
DEI programs, which researchers trace back to the 1960s, saw significant expansion in 2020 amid heightened calls for racial justice. They aim to foster equitable workplaces and educational environments, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
Key Plaintiffs in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit against the Trump administration includes multiple plaintiffs, such as the mayor and Baltimore City Council, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, which represents restaurant workers nationwide. Source: Yahoo News
