A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from implementing bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at federal agencies and businesses that contract with the federal government. The judge stated that these directives likely violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump’s efforts to eradicate DEI initiatives have been criticized as discriminatory by him and other critics. The order by the judge applies nationwide and is pending the outcome of a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore and three groups.
The decision may impact actions already taken by the Trump administration, such as closing DEI offices and firing staff involved in diversity programs. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a critic of diversity initiatives, argues that DEI programs are illegal race-based discrimination. Democracy Forward, representing the plaintiffs, welcomed the decision, stating that Trump’s orders on DEI violate the Constitution and infringe on speech and expression.
DEI policies gained traction after nationwide protests against police killings of unarmed Black people in 2020, leading to conservative backlash and Trump issuing orders against DEI initiatives. Civil rights and pro-equality groups argue that DEI programs are necessary to address discrimination. Baltimore and the suing groups claimed that Trump lacked the power to issue the orders, which they argue target constitutionally protected speech. The Trump administration countered that the orders do not discourage speech but target unlawful discrimination. The judge found the orders and the definition of DEI to be vague, leading to chilling effects on speech.
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