A Maryland-based federal judge has blocked two of President Donald Trump’s memos ordering schools and universities to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, according to the Associated Press.
Trump Administration Crackdown on DEI
Earlier this year, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent an ultimatum to all federally funded educational institutions: end DEI programs within 14 days or lose all federal funding.
The directive cited “pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences” that have turned schools into “indoctrination camps” and outlined immediate requirements:
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Dismantle DEI offices and programs promoting race-based policies.
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End race-based hiring and admissions practices that disadvantage certain groups.
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Cease funding or partnering with third-party organizations pushing DEI initiatives.
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Halt racially segregated events such as graduations and scholarships.
Schools failing to comply risked swift consequences, including a total loss of federal funding.
Judge Says Department “Violated the Law”
U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, an Obama appointee, ruled the Department of Education violated the law when it threatened to strip federal funding from institutions that continued DEI initiatives.
Her decision came after the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association filed a lawsuit in February, arguing the memos unlawfully targeted diversity programs.
Part of Trump’s Push Against Discrimination
The Trump administration framed the policy as a move to stop race-based discrimination against white and Asian American students. The now-blocked memos had ordered an immediate end to all “race-based decision-making” in schools and universities.
The ruling now prevents the Department of Education from enforcing the DEI shutdown orders, marking a major legal setback for the administration’s broader campaign to root out discriminatory race-based policies from America’s education system.
