Federal Judge Blocks Education Department’s DEI Policy Changes
WASHINGTON – A federal judge in Maryland has halted the U.S. Department of Education’s attempts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in schools.
This ruling, made on Thursday, strikes a blow to the Trump administration’s ongoing campaign against DEI initiatives at the federal level.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher determined that the department’s threats to withdraw federal funding from K-12 schools implementing race-conscious strategies are “illegal.” She referenced both the “Dear colleague” letter and the state’s compliance demands as unconstitutional.
Gallagher’s decision follows lawsuits filed by organizations including the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association, along with public school districts in Oregon.
She characterized the letters and certification demands as “unconstitutional and ambiguous,” which is a significant concern in legal terms.
Gallagher is one of three federal judges who have previously blocked aspects of these directives from the Education Department, which included memos on enforcement and compliance requirements.
“The administration is allowed to promote its perspective and create policies in line with it,” Gallagher stated. “However, it must follow the procedures outlined by Congress and cannot do so at the expense of constitutional rights.”
Impact of February 14 Letter
Following a letter sent on February 14, the department moved quickly with legal actions that endangered funding for districts using race-conscious practices in student programming, admissions, and scholarships.
This letter took a harsh stance on a Supreme Court ruling from 2023 that restricted the inclusion of race in university admissions.
It raised numerous questions for schools about compliance, leading to a subsequent FAQ document released in March to clarify the requirements.
In April, the department urged state education leaders to ensure K-12 schools complied with these guidelines, linking adherence to continued federal funding.
Responses from the Department and Unions
A spokesperson for the department expressed disappointment in the judge’s decision, emphasizing that it hampers their ability to uphold Title VI protections for students. They reiterated the department’s commitment to preventing discrimination against students under the law.
Union leaders echoed concerns about the vagueness of these requirements. Randi Weingarten remarked that this sets back efforts to ensure educational access and opportunities for all students.
