Federal Judge in Maryland Blocks Trump Administration’s DEI Ban in Schools
April 25, 2025
A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s directive to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools. The ruling, issued on April 24, 2025, follows similar decisions in New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., where judges also halted provisions of the administration’s DEI ban. (apnews.com)
The Department of Education’s directive, issued on April 3, 2025, threatened to withhold federal funding from states unless they certified compliance with the administration’s interpretation of "illegal DEI practices." The plaintiffs, including 19 states led by Democratic attorneys general, argue that their DEI initiatives are lawful efforts to ensure equal access to education and that the federal threat jeopardizes over $13.8 billion in vital educational funding, especially for vulnerable student populations. (apnews.com)
In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher stated that the Department of Education lacked the authority under the 1979 Education Organization Act to enforce such policies without proper rulemaking. She emphasized that the directive was unconstitutionally vague and infringed upon First Amendment rights. (reuters.com)
The administration has indicated plans to appeal the decision. However, advocacy groups view the ruling as a victory for educators’ rights and academic freedom, highlighting the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional protections against overreach. (reuters.com)
Federal Judges Block Trump’s DEI Ban in Schools:
- Judges blocks Trump push to cut funding to public schools over diversity programs
- US judges block Trump’s ability to withhold school funds over DEI
- Judge blocks Education Department’s DEI ban in K-12 schools
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