WASHINGTON: A U.S. appeals court on Friday granted the Trump administration temporary permission to enforce its ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at federal agencies and government contractors, overturning an earlier ruling by a Maryland judge.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, stated that Trump’s orders—which include directing the Department of Justice to investigate businesses with DEI policies—are likely constitutional.
However, two judges on the panel expressed concerns about the potential constitutional risks of implementing the ban.
“Despite the vitriol now being heaped on DEI, people of good faith who work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion deserve praise, not opprobrium,” wrote Circuit Judge Albert Diaz.
In response, Judge Allison Rushing, a Trump appointee, countered that policy opinions should not influence legal rulings.
“A judge’s opinion that DEI programs ‘deserve praise, not opprobrium’ should play absolutely no part in deciding this case,” Rushing stated.
Legal Battle Continues
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by Baltimore city and three advocacy groups, who argue that Trump’s orders exceed presidential authority and violate free speech rights.
Previously, U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore had blocked the administration from enforcing the ban nationwide while the lawsuit was pending.
However, Friday’s appeals court ruling reinstates Trump’s DEI ban while the administration continues its appeal, a process that could take months.
Trump’s Push Against DEI
Trump’s executive orders aim to eliminate DEI initiatives in both the public and private sectors, claiming they promote discrimination rather than inclusion. His directives include:
- Barring federal agencies from funding or implementing DEI programs.
- Prohibiting government contractors from running DEI initiatives.
- Instructing federal agencies to identify businesses, schools, and nonprofits suspected of discriminatory practices under DEI policies.
The White House and the Justice Department have not yet commented on the ruling. Democracy Forward, a progressive legal group representing the plaintiffs, said it is reviewing the decision.
Ongoing Dispute Over DEI Contracts
The plaintiffs accused the administration of continuing to enforce the DEI ban despite the earlier court injunction. Abelson held a hearing on Friday regarding these allegations but has yet to issue a ruling.
With the ban temporarily reinstated, Trump’s broader campaign to dismantle DEI programs remains a major legal and political flashpoint.
