{"id":2398737,"date":"2025-02-04T13:38:56","date_gmt":"2025-02-04T18:38:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-anti-dei-orders-face-new-legal-challenge-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-02-04T13:43:50","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T18:43:50","slug":"trump-anti-dei-orders-face-new-legal-challenge-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-anti-dei-orders-face-new-legal-challenge-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump anti-DEI orders face new legal challenge &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ftrump-anti-dei-orders-face-new-legal-challenge-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2398737&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>In January 2025, Baltimore,\u200d along with several education adn labor organizations, filed a lawsuit against \u2062the Trump administration over two executive orders that aim \u200bto ban diversity,\u200d equity, \u200band inclusion (DEI) programs. The lawsuit claims\u2062 that these orders infringe\u2063 upon First \u200cAmendment rights \u200bby imposing restrictions \u2063on free speech regarding DEI initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>The executive \u2064orders \u200care\u200b notably broad:\u2062 one \u2063commands federal\u200b agencies to terminate all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-to-order-reversal-of-dei-and-restoration-of-names-of-bases-changed-by-biden-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"... to order reversal of ... and restoration of names of bases changed by Biden - Washington Examiner\">equity-related grants<\/a> and contracts,\u200d while the \u2063other warns of \u2064civil investigations and penalties to discourage\u200d DEI\u200b policies. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott criticized these \u200corders, asserting they represent a direct assault on \u200dcommunities dependent on federal funding and that\u200d they may result in the loss of \u200djobs and resources.<\/p>\n<p>The \u2064plaintiffs\u200d include notable groups such as the National\u200c Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and\u2062 the American Association\u200b of University Professors. They argue \u200cthat \u200cthe orders would force organizations \u200dand educational\u2062 institutions to either censor discussions about diversity or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/white-house-releases-list-of-president-trumps-accomplishments-and-it-is-historic\/\" title=\"White House Releases List of President ...\u2019s Accomplishments \u2013  And It Is Historic!\">risk losing funding<\/a>. The lawsuit also highlights the vague language of the orders,which may lead\u2062 to uncertainty \u2063about what constitutes \u200dillegal practices,thus creating a chilling effect on free expression.<\/p>\n<p>the suit portrays Trump\u2019s \u2062actions\u2063 as an attempt\u200d to undermine DEI initiatives while invoking a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/boston-public-schools-will-suspend-advanced-classes-because-too-many-students-in-them-are-white-or-asian\/\" title=\"Boston Public Schools Will Suspend Advanced Classes Because Too Many Students In Them Are White Or Asian\">merit-based system<\/a> that the \u200badministration\u200c claims is \u200cfair but \u2063<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">critics argue disproportionately affects diversity-oriented \u200cprograms<\/a>.The legal challenge seeks to protect \u200bfundamental\u200d free speech rights and the pursuit of diversity within institutions \u2063reliant on federal support.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Trump anti-DEI orders face new legal challenge<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1974228\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/baltimore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Baltimore<\/a> and a coalition of education and labor organizations sued the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/trump-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Trump administration<\/a> on Monday, alleging that a pair of executive orders banning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/dei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">diversity, equity, and inclusion<\/a> programs violates First Amendment free speech protections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland targets two sweeping orders signed by President Donald Trump in January, <a href=\"https:\/\/public-inspection.federalregister.gov\/2025-01953.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">including one<\/a> directing federal agencies to terminate all equity-related grants and contracts and <a href=\"https:\/\/public-inspection.federalregister.gov\/2025-02097.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">another<\/a> that threatens civil investigations and financial penalties to &ldquo;deter DEI programs or principles.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">President Donald Trump talks as he <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gop-points-out-hypocrisy-in-biden-signing-record-number-of-executive-orders\/\" title=\"GOP points out hypocrisy in Biden signing record number of ...\">signs executive orders<\/a> in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Evan Vucci)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The 42-page <a href=\"https:\/\/storage.courtlistener.com\/recap\/gov.uscourts.mdd.575287\/gov.uscourts.mdd.575287.1.0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">complaint<\/a> claims these actions amount to a broad censorship campaign and an unconstitutional power grab. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, a Democrat, condemned the orders as a direct attack on local communities and institutions that rely on federal funding.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;This executive order goes beyond just attacking DEI&mdash;it aims to establish the legal framework to attack anyone or any place who dares to celebrate our diversity,&rdquo;&nbsp;Scott <a href=\"https:\/\/democracyforward.org\/updates\/anti-deia-executive-order-challenge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">said<\/a>.&nbsp;&ldquo;Baltimore citizens risk losing vital federal funding due to this executive order, putting jobs and livelihoods at stake&mdash;and we will fight it with every legal tool available to us.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The lawsuit was joined by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, or AAUP, and Restaurant Opportunities Centers United as plaintiffs.<\/p>\n<p>The plaintiffs argue that Trump&rsquo;s orders unconstitutionally restrict free speech by punishing any expression or policies that promote DEI. They claim that organizations, universities, and businesses must now choose between suppressing speech on diversity or risking funding losses and legal penalties.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Plaintiffs must either risk prosecution for making a false claim or censor promotion of their values. Our Constitution does not tolerate that result,&rdquo;&nbsp;the lawsuit states, adding that &ldquo;President Trump wishes to see the end of all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs of any kind whatsoever&rdquo; and &ldquo;bypass Congress&rsquo;s exclusive power of the purse&rdquo; by unilaterally cutting off funds for DEI initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>The complaint further alleges that the executive orders are so vaguely written that organizations cannot determine whether their programs will be deemed illegal, creating a chilling effect on free expression.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The undefined terms leave potential targets with no anchor as to what speech or which actions the order encompasses,&rdquo;&nbsp;the plaintiffs argue.<\/p>\n<p>AAUP, which represents academic professionals across the country, contends that Trump&rsquo;s orders directly threaten university programs focused on race, gender, and environmental justice. The group&rsquo;s membership includes &ldquo;a large number of academic professionals whose work focuses on topics related to diversity, including faculty that teach courses focused on specific racial or ethnic identities, arguing their teachings focus on &ldquo;subject matter targeted by the Executive Orders.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Trump&rsquo;s administration has framed the crackdown on DEI as a return to &ldquo;merit-based&rdquo; governance and a rejection of any past initiatives that may have rewarded candidates to high-level positions based solely on qualities such as race and ethnicity or other physical traits like disabilities.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE&nbsp;TO&nbsp;READ MORE&nbsp;FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Following the American Airlines midair collision with an Army helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday, Trump&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PJ-zuj50tMk&amp;list=RDNSPJ-zuj50tMk&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discussed<\/a>&nbsp;the Federal Aviation Administration&rsquo;s DEI initiatives under former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. He pointed to the FAA&rsquo;s acknowledgment of the underemployment of employees with disabilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We have to have our smartest people&rdquo; as air traffic controllers, Trump said Thursday. &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are. &hellip; They have to be talented, naturally talented.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1974228\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1974228\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Baltimore and groups sue Trump over anti-DEI orders<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2633,"featured_media":2398738,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/BALTIMORE-MAYOR-BRANDON-SCOTT.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[26651,37612,3634],"class_list":["post-2398737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-anti-dei","tag-legal-challenge","tag-trump"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/BALTIMORE-MAYOR-BRANDON-SCOTT.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2398737","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2633"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2398737"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2398737\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2398745,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2398737\/revisions\/2398745"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2398738"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2398737"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2398737"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2398737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}