Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from carrying out certain anti-DEI directives

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from carrying out certain directives of the president to crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion – or DEI – programs

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from carrying out certain directives of the president to crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion – or DEI – programs US District Judge Adam Abelson said that the government could not freeze or cancel “equity-related” contracts, nor could it require recipients of grants to certify that their programs do not promote DEI. Nor is the government allowed to bring any False Claims Act enforcement action related to the anti-DEI certification requirement, under the judge’s preliminary injunction order. In his ruling, Abelson said that the directives are likely unconstitutional and his order would apply nationwide. He wrote that the provisions in question “are content- and viewpoint-based restrictions that chill speech as to anyone the government might conceivably choose to accuse of engaging in speech about ‘equity’ or ‘diversity’ or ‘DEI.’” The case dealt with a provision from an Inauguration Day executive order signed by Trump that required agencies to terminate “equity-related” grants or contracts. The City of Baltimore, two education associations and a restaurant association brought the lawsuit, alleging the directive infringed on Congress’ power over government spending while violating other constitutional provisions, including free speech protections.