Court Blocks Key Provisions Targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Federal Judge Blocks Key Parts of Trump’s Anti-DEI Orders
A U.S. federal judge has temporarily stopped the Department of Labor from enforcing parts of former President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives among federal contractors and grant recipients.
Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ruled that the Labor Department cannot require contractors and grantees to certify that their programs comply with Trump’s anti-DEI mandates. The certification process had raised concerns among organizations, as non-compliance could result in severe financial penalties under the False Claims Act.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT), a nonprofit that supports women in skilled construction trades and has ongoing contracts with the Labor Department. The group argued that Trump’s executive orders were too broad and vague, making compliance nearly impossible and jeopardizing its mission.
Kennelly sided with CWIT, stating that the orders could violate free speech rights and create an atmosphere of fear that forces organizations to scale back DEI efforts. “Rather than risk severe penalties, many grantees will likely avoid discussing or supporting DEI initiatives altogether,” he wrote in his ruling.
The decision follows a broader legal battle over Trump’s executive actions targeting DEI programs in both public and private sectors. While a recent appeals court lifted a nationwide injunction against the orders, Kennelly’s ruling is specific to Labor Department contractors and grant recipients.
A hearing on whether to impose a more extended halt on the executive orders is scheduled for April 10. The Department of Justice has yet to comment on the ruling.
