Trump Administration Appeals Ruling Blocking Effort to Cut Funding for Diversity Programs in Schools

The Trump administration is appealing a federal court decision that blocked its efforts to restrict billions of dollars in funding to schools and colleges with diversity, equity and inclusion (D.E.I.) programs, according to new court filings.

According to New York Times, in August, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland ruled that the administration’s policy violated educators’ free speech rights and failed to comply with proper administrative procedures. The lawsuit was filed by the American Federation of Teachers, the American Sociological Association and a school district in Eugene, Oregon.

The ruling marked a major setback for the administration’s campaign against what it calls “illegal D.E.I.” initiatives — a term that has no formal legal definition but has been used by officials to describe efforts such as recruiting more Black teachers, expanding advanced courses for minority students, or offering scholarships reserved for underrepresented groups.

Under directives issued by the Department of Education, schools engaging in such practices could be found in violation of civil rights laws. The department has also warned colleges against hosting what it described as “racially charged” orientations or diversity training sessions.

Legal experts and education advocates had anticipated an appeal, as President Donald Trump has made opposition to D.E.I. programs a cornerstone of his second-term agenda. He argues that such initiatives promote racial stereotypes, discriminate against white students and educators, and divide communities.

“We are confident the appellate court is not going to let Linda McMahon rewrite 60 years of civil rights laws,” said Andrew Crook, a spokesman for the American Federation of Teachers, referring to the education secretary.

The Department of Education declined to comment, noting that most of its employees are currently furloughed due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The dispute could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court, where recent decisions have already narrowed the scope of affirmative action and race-conscious education policies.