Multiple lawsuits are challenging former President Trump's executive orders aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Civil rights groups and DEI workers argue these orders unconstitutionally erase DEI initiatives and accessibility efforts across various sectors, including higher education and government contracting.
One lawsuit, filed in Maryland federal court, contends that the executive orders violate the Constitution by unlawfully terminating programs mandated by statute. The plaintiffs seek an injunction to halt actions related to the "Ending Radical Government DEI Programs" order. A separate lawsuit, filed in the District of Columbia by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Lambda Legal, alleges that the orders violate the First and Fifth Amendments and discriminate against Black and transgender individuals.
The Maryland plaintiffs argue they are not contesting the president's policy-setting authority, but rather the constitutional limits on that power. They claim the executive order exceeds those limits. During a hearing, the judge questioned the Justice Department's stance that halting the termination of DEI contracts and grants would be an overreach of judicial power. The plaintiffs, however, argued that the orders have a chilling effect on First Amendment rights, preventing discussions on inclusivity and historical context.
The D.C. lawsuit specifically challenges the executive orders titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing," "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," and "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The plaintiffs argue these orders constitute a broad attack on DEI initiatives, harming vulnerable communities by censoring speech and terminating essential funding. They also contend that the emphasis on merit reinforces harmful stereotypes about underrepresented groups.
The White House, under the Trump administration, defended the executive orders, characterizing the lawsuits as resistance from the left and affirming their readiness to defend the orders in court.
