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The Guardian
15-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Court lifts block on Trump order to end federal support for DEI programs
An appeals court on Friday lifted a block on executive orders seeking to end government support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, handing the Trump administration a win after a string of setbacks from dozens of lawsuits. The decision from a three-judge panel allows the orders to be enforced as a lawsuit challenging them plays out. The appeals court judges halted a nationwide injunction from US district judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore. Two of the judges on the fourth US circuit court of appeals wrote that Trump's anti-DEI push could eventually raise concerns about first amendment rights but said the judge's sweeping block went too far. 'My vote should not be understood as agreement with the orders' attack on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,' Judge Pamela Harris wrote. Two of the panel's members were appointed by Barack Obama, while the third was appointed by Trump. Abelson had found the orders likely violated free speech rights and were unconstitutionally vague since they didn't have a specific definition of DEI. Trump signed an order his first day in office directing federal agencies to terminate all 'equity-related' grants or contracts. He signed a follow-up order requiring federal contractors to certify that they don't promote DEI. The city of Baltimore and other groups sued the Trump administration, arguing the executive orders are an unconstitutional overreach of presidential authority. The justice department has argued that the president was targeting only DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws. Government attorneys said the administration should be able to align federal spending with the president's priorities. Abelson, who was nominated by Joe Biden, agreed with the plaintiffs that the executive orders discourage businesses, organizations, and public entities from openly supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Efforts to increase diversity long have been under attack by Republicans, who contend the measures threaten merit-based hiring, promotion and educational opportunities for white people. Supporters say the programs help institutions meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations while addressing the lasting impacts of systemic racism. Their purpose was to foster equitable environments in businesses and schools, especially for historically marginalized communities. Researchers say DEI initiatives date back to the 1960s but were expanded in 2020 during increased calls for racial justice. In addition to the mayor and the Baltimore city council, the plaintiffs include 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 across the country.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge blocks parts of Trump executive orders targeting DEI, citing free speech
A federal judge on Friday granted a preliminary injunction over parts of the Trump administration's executive orders on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The injunction largely blocks the sections of President Donald Trump's orders that seek to end federal support for programs deemed to be DEI-related, and prevents the Trump administration from canceling contracts that they believe promote diversity, equity or inclusion. U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore, a Biden nominee, ruled that parts of the executive orders likely violate the Constitution and free speech. "The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order," Abelson said in a hearing this week, adding that it would discourage businesses working with the government from openly supporting DEI. Federal Judge Temporarily Stops Trump Admin From Firing 11 Intelligence Officers Assigned To Dei Programs The ruling comes after the city of Baltimore, 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 – sued the Trump administration over the executive orders, calling them presidential overreach and anti-free speech. Read On The Fox News App "Ordinary citizens bear the brunt," attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in the complaint. "Plaintiffs and their members receive federal funds to support educators, academics, students, workers, and communities across the country. As federal agencies make arbitrary decisions about whether grants are 'equity-related,' Plaintiffs are left in limbo." They argued that Trump was encroaching on Congress' powers in order to champion his personal beliefs. "But the President simply does not wield that power," they wrote in the complaint. "And contrary to his suggestions otherwise, his power is not limitless." Trump Scores Big Legal Win Against Pulitzer Prize Board Members As Lawsuit Moves To Discovery Trump signed an order on his first day in office directing federal agencies to terminate all "equity-related" grants or contracts. He signed a follow-up order requiring federal contractors to certify that they don't promote DEI. The Trump administration argued in a Wednesday hearing that the president was only banning DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws. "What's happening is an overcorrection and pulling back on DEI statements," attorney Aleshadye Getachew said in a hearing. A second federal lawsuit was also filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday targeting Trump's DEI executive orders. The new complaint was filed by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Lambda Legal on behalf of nonprofit advocacy organizations. The lawsuit is aimed at Trump's executive orders: "Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing," "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," and "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." White House spokesman Harrison Fields said both lawsuits represented "nothing more than an extension of the left's resistance," adding in a statement to the New York Times that the administration was "ready to face them in court." "Radical leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda," Fields said. Fox News' Danielle Wallace and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Judge blocks parts of Trump executive orders targeting DEI, citing free speech
Fox News
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Judge blocks parts of Trump DEI executive orders, citing free speech
A federal judge on Friday granted a preliminary injunction over parts of the Trump administration's executive orders on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The injunction largely blocks the sections of President Donald Trump's orders that seek to end federal support for programs deemed to be DEI-related, and prevents the Trump administration from canceling contracts that they believe promote diversity, equity or inclusion. U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore, a Biden nominee, ruled that parts of the executive orders likely violate the Constitution and free speech. "The harm arises from the issuance of it as a public, vague, threatening executive order," Abelson said in a hearing this week, adding that it would discourage businesses working with the government from openly supporting DEI. The ruling comes after the city of Baltimore, 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 – sued the Trump administration over the executive orders, calling them presidential overreach and anti-free speech. "Ordinary citizens bear the brunt," attorneys for the plaintiffs wrote in the complaint. "Plaintiffs and their members receive federal funds to support educators, academics, students, workers, and communities across the country. As federal agencies make arbitrary decisions about whether grants are 'equity-related,' Plaintiffs are left in limbo." They argued that Trump was encroaching on Congress' powers in order to champion his personal beliefs. "But the President simply does not wield that power," they wrote in the complaint. "And contrary to his suggestions otherwise, his power is not limitless." Trump signed an order on his first day in office directing federal agencies to terminate all "equity-related" grants or contracts. He signed a follow-up order requiring federal contractors to certify that they don't promote DEI. The Trump administration argued in a Wednesday hearing that the president was only banning DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws. "What's happening is an overcorrection and pulling back on DEI statements," attorney Aleshadye Getachew said in a hearing. A second federal lawsuit was also filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday targeting Trump's DEI executive orders. The new complaint was filed by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Lambda Legal on behalf of nonprofit advocacy organizations. The lawsuit is aimed at Trump's executive orders: "Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing," "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," and "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." White House spokesman Harrison Fields said both lawsuits represented "nothing more than an extension of the left's resistance," adding in a statement to the New York Times that the administration was "ready to face them in court." "Radical leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda," Fields said.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Baltimore sues Trump for ditching DEI: ‘Attacks anyone who dares to celebrate diversity'
Baltimore and its Democratic mayor have teamed up with progressive groups to file a lawsuit aimed at stopping President Donald Trump's executive orders that dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion "programs and preferencing" as the president described in one of his directives. Baltimore's Mayor Brandon Scott – along with the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, American Association of University Professors, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United – filed suit in Maryland federal court this week against Trump and several cabinet heads. Scott did not respond to a request for comment but said in a statement that Trump's order goes beyond attacking DEI but "aims to establish the legal framework to attack anyone or any place who dares to celebrate our diversity." "Baltimore citizens risk losing vital federal funding due to this executive order, putting jobs and livelihoods at stake," the mayor added. The city council is also listed as a plaintiff. Lawmakers From State With Most Federal Workers Per Capital Balk At Trump's Buyout Bid Baltimore, the nation's 30th largest city, is 60% Black, 27% White, 8% Hispanic and 2% Asian, according to the Census Bureau. Read On The Fox News App Trump's order seeks to erase roles within the bureaucracy that include diversity officers as well as "equity"-related endeavors. Paulette Granberry Russell, the CEO of the diversity officers' association, said in a statement that Trump's orders will undermine the ability for higher education to open "opportunity, innovation and progress for people across the nation." "As the nation's leading association for diversity officers and professionals in higher education, we will use all tools available, including the legal process, to block these harmful orders," Granberry Russell said. An official for the restaurant industry group said that eateries rely on workers of all ethnic backgrounds and that diversity is what sets the food service sector apart from others. "President Trump wishes to see the end of all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs of any kind whatsoever – and we will not stand for it," its interim president, Teofilo Reyes, said in a statement. A spokesperson for the White House disagreed with Baltimore's assertions. Schumer Mocked For Corona-avocado Clip Warning Trump Tariffs Will Hurt Superbowl Parties "Minorities in America have recognized the Democrat Party's empty promises and failed policies. That's why President Trump earned historic support from Black, Latino, Asian, and Arab Americans by prioritizing secure borders, economic opportunity, and an America First foreign policy," Trump's Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital. Fields said the left's "divisive focus" on DEI has undermined decades of progress toward true equality and that Trump and his administration reject such "backward thinking." "[The White House] will pursue an agenda that lifts everyone up with the chance to achieve the American Dream," Fields said. Fox News Digital also reached out to Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., who represents most of Baltimore City in Congress. Mfume did not ultimately offer a response to the inquiry. The legal filing opens with a quotation from West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnett – a 1943 Supreme Court case brought by a Jehovah's Witness family that ruled students cannot be compelled to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation it is that no official ... can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion or other matter of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein," Justice Robert Jackson, an FDR appointee, wrote in his ruling. The filing itself alleges that if "lawful DEI programs are suddenly deemed unlawful by presidential fiat, plaintiffs must either risk prosecution for making a false claim or censor promotion of their values." "Our Constitution does not tolerate that result." It goes on to allege that Trump's "goal is to punish those who recognize or choose to speak out about this country's history on issues of enslavement, racial exclusion, health disparities, gender inequality, treatment of individuals with disabilities, and discrimination." The lawsuit was reportedly assisted or organized in part by Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization founded during the first Trump administration that claimed to have identified a number of severe "threats to democracy, social progress and rule of law" that Trump represented after his 2016 win. Democracy Forward boasted on its website that it has sued the Trump administration more than 100 times thus far. The group's president, Skye Perryman, said in a statement on the Baltimore lawsuit that the Constitution protects all Americans regardless of occupation and that Trump's anti-DEI orders "offend these protections and others." "The coalition bringing this suit represents people of diverse professions and backgrounds who are all harmed by these unlawful orders, which have chilled their activities and provision of essential services," Perryman article source: Baltimore sues Trump for ditching DEI: 'Attacks anyone who dares to celebrate diversity'
