Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Policy Threatening DEI Programs in Public Schools

A federal judge has blocked a controversial directive issued by the Trump administration that sought to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools by threatening to withhold federal funding from non-compliant institutions.

U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday in response to a lawsuit brought by the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The lawsuit challenged the administration’s attempt to force public schools to dismantle race-related and DEI initiatives or face the risk of losing federal grants.

In her ruling, Judge McCafferty stated that the administration’s directive was unconstitutionally vague and could infringe on educators’ First Amendment rights. “The guidance lacks a clear definition of what constitutes a DEI program, and its broad language risks penalizing teachers for expressing certain viewpoints on race and equity in the classroom,” the judge wrote.

The Department of Education, under directives from President Donald Trump’s administration, had issued guidance instructing schools to avoid “differentiating individuals on the basis of race” and warned that violations could result in the withdrawal of federal support and possible legal actions.

Critics argued the measure was an overt attempt to censor conversations about structural racism, history, and identity in American classrooms. The ACLU called the directive a “politically motivated attack on educators’ freedom to teach and students’ right to learn.”

“This ruling is a critical victory for educators, students, and the future of inclusive education in this country,” said Becky Pringle, President of the NEA. “We will continue to fight efforts that seek to silence truthful education and dismantle equity in our schools.”

The Trump administration had made the rollback of DEI programs a hallmark of its education agenda, arguing that such programs foster division and discrimination. However, this court decision represents a significant legal setback for that effort.

The Department of Education has not yet commented on whether it will appeal the decision.

The case remains ongoing, and further legal challenges or policy revisions may emerge as the administration weighs its next move. For now, public schools across the country can continue implementing DEI-related initiatives without fear of federal retribution.