Federal Judges Block Trump-Era Cuts to School DEI Funding

Federal judges in Maryland, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C., have blocked the Trump administration from cutting off funding to schools supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The rulings came in response to lawsuits filed by teachers' unions and civil rights groups, challenging a policy from the U.S. Department of Education that threatened funding cuts for K-12 schools and universities promoting DEI programs.

The contested policy was introduced in a February 14 "Dear Colleague" letter, accusing schools of using "race-based preferences" and "indoctrinating" students with teachings on systemic racism. The department warned institutions to align with federal civil rights laws or face funding losses.

U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty of New Hampshire sided with the National Education Association, ruling the policy violated First Amendment rights and was unconstitutionally vague. She noted the department failed to define what constitutes a "DEI program," making enforcement arbitrary and threatening academic freedom.

In Maryland, Judge Stephanie Gallagher, appointed by Trump, agreed with the American Federation of Teachers and other plaintiffs, stating the policy bypassed proper rulemaking and exceeded the Education Department’s authority under the 1979 Department of Education Organization Act, which prohibits federal interference in school curriculum and instructional choices.

Judge Dabney Friedrich in Washington, D.C., also appointed by Trump, sided with the NAACP and ruled the policy too vague, blocking a related April 3 mandate that required state agencies to certify compliance or risk losing federal funding.

Legal advocacy group Democracy Forward, which represented plaintiffs in the Maryland case, hailed the decisions as a win against censorship in education. The Education Department has yet to respond but is expected to appeal.

These rulings highlight growing legal pushback against efforts to limit DEI programs in U.S. schools.