Judge Blocks Trump's DEI Program Bans

A federal judge in Maryland temporarily halted Trump's bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and businesses with government contracts. The directive likely violates the First Amendment, pending a lawsuit by Baltimore and other groups. The decision questions the legality of such bans.

A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily stopped former President Donald Trump's attempts to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and businesses that contract with the government. The judge's ruling suggests these directives likely infringe on First Amendment rights.

Trump's moves to abolish DEI initiatives, which he criticized as discriminatory, have been countered by U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson. Abelson's decision halts these efforts across the nation pending a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore and three advocacy groups. The lawsuit argues these orders improperly target constitutionally protected free speech.

The DEI policies, which gained momentum following nationwide protests in 2020, face conservative opposition despite their role in addressing historical discrimination. While the Trump administration defends the orders as targeting unlawful discrimination, the vague definitions and chilling effect on speech have been major points of contention.

(With inputs from agencies.)