Trump administration's guidance on banning diversity programs in schools and colleges is rejected by a judge
In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland has struck down two Trump administration actions aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at schools and universities. The ruling, made on Thursday, aims to protect these programs and is part of a broader campaign challenging practices the Trump administration frames as discrimination against white and Asian American students.
The judge's decision followed a motion for summary judgment from the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association. The user, who has agreed to the Terms of Use and acknowledged reading the Privacy Policy and the US State Privacy Rights Notice, has also signed up for the Breaking news alerts Newsletter, indicating an interest in receiving news updates from Action News.
The Trump administration's actions were in response to a pair of Education Department memos ordering schools and universities to end all "race-based decision-making" or face penalties up to a total loss of federal funding. The lawsuit was filed by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association in February.
The ruling comes amid a divided judicial landscape regarding the Trump administration's actions to eliminate DEI programs in research funding and education. While the Supreme Court recently allowed the Trump administration to cut $783 million in health research grants associated with DEI efforts, lower federal courts have issued rulings blocking key parts of Trump’s executive orders. These injunctions prevent the administration from enforcing provisions that would require grantees to certify they do not operate illegal DEI programs and prohibit "equity-related" grants.
The Education Department's threat to cut federal funding from educational institutions that continued with DEI initiatives was deemed illegal by the court. The ruling is a significant victory for those who advocate for DEI programs, which are seen as crucial in fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
The ongoing litigation involving major universities such as Harvard, arguing that the administration’s cancellation of DEI-related grants violates their constitutional rights, including the First Amendment, and procedural protections, continues in district courts. While the Supreme Court supported the administration’s funding cuts, these legal challenges remain active.
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- The ruling, striking down the Trump administration's actions against DEI programs, indicates a shift in policy-and-legislation related to education that is currently being debated in politics.
- The ongoing litigation over the Trump administration's policy-and-legislation against DEI programs in education and research funding is part of the general-news landscape, with significant implications for diversity and inclusivity.
