Court Dismisses Challenge to Trump’s DEI Ban Effort

A federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, has turned down a lawsuit that tried to stop President Trump’s orders aimed at ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in government agencies and companies that work with the federal government. The decision was made by a panel of three judges who reviewed an earlier injunction that had blocked the administration from carrying out these orders. The initial injunction was issued by Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore after the city, a higher‑education diversity group and an association of university professors filed a suit. They argued that Trump’s orders violated the First Amendment by limiting free speech and the Fifth Amendment by creating vague rules without proper due process.Instead of striking down the orders outright, the appellate judges said that challenges could focus on how agencies apply them to specific contractors and grant recipients. They noted that the orders were within the President’s authority, but they did not weigh whether the policy itself was wise or fair. One judge, appointed by former President Barack Obama, expressed discomfort with the outcome in a separate opinion. He warned that people who disagree should keep working within the law and rely on the Constitution as a guide. The White House has not yet responded to the ruling, and the plaintiffs are reviewing the court’s decision. The case highlights ongoing tensions over DEI initiatives in public and private sectors.