Title: Judge Blocks Trump’s Anti-DEI Funding Rule
Key Takeaways
– Federal judge ends threat to cut funding from diverse schools
– Judge appointed by Trump finds rule unlawful
– Lawsuit filed by teachers and sociologists group
– This is second policy loss for Trump appointees this week
– Advocates call decision a win for civil rights
Introduction
On Thursday a federal judge rejected a major Trump policy aimed at ending diversity programs. The judge ruled the Education Department acted outside its authority. As a result, schools can keep diversity efforts that guide student admissions and hiring.
Background on the DEI Rule
In recent years the Education Department ordered schools to stop any race based decision making. It warned it would cut federal funding if institutions kept diversity programs. The policy was part of a wider push by the Trump administration against diversity equity and inclusion initiatives. Critics said the rule would harm efforts to support underrepresented groups.
The Lawsuit That Challenged the Policy
In February a coalition led by the teachers union and a sociologists association sued to block the rule. They argued the Education Department had no legal basis for its threat. The case moved quickly through the courts because of its broad impact. Schools and nonprofit groups joined to support the lawsuit. They warned the rule would chill many campus programs.
The Ruling by Judge Gallagher
U S District Judge Stephanie Gallagher issued her decision on Thursday. Judge Gallagher was appointed by President Trump in 2019. She found the Education Department exceeded its legal powers. She also said the department failed to follow required procedures before issuing the rule. As a result her ruling permanently bars the department from enforcing its threat.
Key Points of the Ruling
First the judge noted that the department acted without clear authority from Congress. Next she highlighted that the department ignored key steps in its own rule making process. Finally she concluded that the rule would cause real harm to public and private schools.
Reaction from Advocates
A group representing teachers and academic experts praised the decision. They said it reaffirms the rights of all students and staff. According to their statement the ruling will protect civil rights and inclusion efforts. They also warned that threats to cut funding created chaos in classrooms. They called the victory a major win for public education.
Related Court Losses This Week
This is the second time this week that a Trump appointed judge ruled against his administration. On Monday another judge found the administration illegally blocked funds meant for a democracy support group. That case involved millions of dollars set aside by Congress. Both rulings underline limits on executive power.
A Broader Legal Challenge
Meanwhile the former president faces another legal hurdle in Maryland. He sued the entire federal bench of the U S District Court there. The suit challenges limits on deportations in the state. In hearings judges signaled they may dismiss that suit for lack of legal basis.
What This Means for Schools
With the ruling in place schools no longer fear losing federal dollars. They can continue to run admissions and hiring programs that consider race and diversity. Administrators say they will review old and planned initiatives. Many believe this will restore stability on campuses.
What Comes Next
The Education Department can appeal the decision to a higher court. If so schools will have to wait for a final outcome. However the clear language in the ruling makes an appeal harder. In the meantime college leaders and teachers can plan with more certainty.
Conclusion
A federal judge appointed by President Trump has struck down the administration’s key anti-DEI rule. The decision came in response to a lawsuit by teachers and academic experts. The ruling restores funding protections for schools that run diversity programs. It also marks a second loss for Trump policies this week. As legal battles continue, advocates say this ruling will help protect civil rights and public education for years to come.