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A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s efforts to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and among government contractors. U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson ruled that the directives likely violate the First Amendment, citing concerns over free speech restrictions.
The lawsuit, filed by Baltimore and three organizations, argued that Trump's orders unlawfully suppressed constitutionally protected speech. Abelson agreed, stating that DEI initiatives have been legal for decades and that blocking them would cause "irreparable harm" by chilling free speech. His ruling prevents the Trump administration from enforcing the bans nationwide while the case proceeds.
Trump’s orders aimed to eliminate DEI programs from federal agencies, prohibit government contractors from implementing them, and direct the Justice Department to investigate companies with DEI policies. Supporters of DEI argue these programs are necessary to address longstanding discrimination, while Trump and other critics claim they foster reverse discrimination.
The ruling leaves uncertainty about previously implemented measures, such as the closure of DEI offices and termination of related staff. The White House, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s office, and the groups involved in the lawsuit have not yet commented.
DEI policies gained momentum after the 2020 protests against racial injustice but have faced conservative pushback. Abelson found Trump's orders so vague that organizations were unsure how they applied to their programs, leading to fears of penalties. He concluded that plaintiffs had demonstrated a significant chilling effect on speech.
The Trump administration maintains that the orders do not suppress speech but address unlawful discrimination. However, Abelson’s ruling ensures DEI programs remain protected—for now—pending further legal proceedings.
