Appeals court lifts blocks on Trump's orders restricting diversity,
equity and inclusion programs
[March 15, 2025]
By LINDSAY WHITEHURST
WASHINGTON (AP) — An appeals court on Friday lifted a block on executive
orders seeking to end government support for diversity, equity and
inclusion programs, handing the Trump administration a win after a
string of setbacks defending President Donald Trump’s agenda from dozens
of lawsuits.
The decision from a three-judge panel allows the orders to be enforced
as a lawsuit challenging them plays out. The appeals court judges halted
a nationwide injunction from U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in
Baltimore.
Two of the judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote that
Trump’s anti-DEI push could eventually raise concerns about First
Amendment rights but said the judge’s sweeping block went too far.
“My vote should not be understood as agreement with the orders’ attack
on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Judge Pamela
Harris wrote. Two of the panel's members were appointed by President
Barack Obama, while the third was appointed by Trump.
Abelson had found the orders likely violated free-speech rights and are
unconstitutionally vague since they don’t have a specific definition of
DEI.
Trump signed an order his first day in office directing federal agencies
to terminate all “equity-related” grants or contracts. He signed a
follow-up order requiring federal contractors to certify that they don’t
promote DEI.
The city of Baltimore and other groups sued the Trump administration,
arguing the executive orders are an unconstitutional overreach of
presidential authority.
The Justice Department has argued that the president was targeting only
DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws. Government
attorneys said the administration should be able to align federal
spending with the president’s priorities.
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President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach
International Airport, Friday, March 14, 2025, in West Palm Beach,
Fla. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Abelson, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, agreed
with the plaintiffs that the executive orders discourage businesses,
organizations and public entities from openly supporting diversity,
equity and inclusion.
Efforts to increase diversity long have been under attack by
Republicans who contend the measures threaten merit-based hiring,
promotion and educational opportunities for white people. Supporters
say the programs help institutions meet the needs of increasingly
diverse populations while addressing the lasting impacts of systemic
racism.
Their purpose was to foster equitable environments in businesses and
schools, especially for historically marginalized communities.
Researchers say DEI initiatives date back to the 1960s but they
expanded in 2020 during increased calls for racial justice.
In addition to the mayor and the Baltimore City Council, the
plaintiffs include the National Association of Diversity Officers in
Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors
and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, which represents
restaurant workers across the country.
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Associated Press writer Lea Skene contributed to this story.
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