Aug 14, 10:30 PM

Federal Judge Vacates Trump-Era Threat to Defund School DEI Programs

A federal judge on Thursday nullified two Trump administration directives that threatened to strip federal funding from schools and universities maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion programs. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher in Maryland ruled that the Education Department violated the Administrative Procedure Act and overstepped constitutional bounds when it issued February and April guidance ordering institutions to abandon “race-based decision-making” or risk the total loss of federal aid. Gallagher, a Trump appointee, granted summary judgment to the American Federation of Teachers, the American Sociological Association and other plaintiffs, finding the department had imposed a “sea change” in civil-rights enforcement without the notice-and-comment process required for new regulations. She emphasized that the court took no position on the policy merits of DEI but said the government’s “hasty” approach chilled lawful speech and exposed educators to potential prosecution under the False Claims Act. The ruling vacates the two memos—including a Dear Colleague letter and a certification requirement—effectively blocking the administration from enforcing its anti-DEI campaign. The Education Department has not yet said whether it will appeal.