A federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked President Trump from implementing bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at federal agencies and businesses that contract with the government. The judge ruled that these directives likely violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is part of Trump’s larger efforts to eradicate DEI initiatives, which he and critics say are discriminatory. The decision to block the orders came as a result of a lawsuit filed by the city of Baltimore and three groups. It is unclear how this decision will affect actions already taken by the Trump administration, such as shutting down DEI offices at agencies. Stephen Miller, a critic of diversity programs, argued that they are illegal race-based discrimination prohibited by the Civil Rights Act. Some civil rights groups welcomed the judge’s decision, arguing that Trump’s orders on DEI violate the Constitution and infringe on free speech. DEI policies have become more widespread in response to nationwide protests against racial injustice. Trump’s orders directed federal agencies to eliminate diversity programs and barred federal contractors from having them. The battle over DEI programs continues, with Baltimore and other groups suing the administration, claiming that the orders improperly target free speech and lack a clear definition of DEI.
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