Judges Block Trump’s Bid to Cut Funding for Schools Embracing Diversity Policies

A federal judge in Maryland has issued a ruling halting the Trump administration’s enforcement of a new ban by the U.S. Education Department on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in schools. This decision aligns with a similar injunction delivered by a New Hampshire judge, who has temporarily blocked the administration from withdrawing federal funding for certain educational institutions.

The New Hampshire ruling, however, is specifically applicable to schools employing members of the National Education Association (NEA), which challenged the ban alongside the Center for Black Educator Development. Both rulings have cited the lack of validity in the administration’s race-conscious policy ban but employed different legal foundations for their conclusions.

In her decision, U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher emphasized that her ruling was not an assessment of the policy’s merits but rather a critique of the process through which it was enacted. “The government did not,” Gallagher wrote regarding the inadequate process followed in the formulation of the directive.

Her ruling pauses the enforcement of a February 14 communication from Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights. This letter threatened federal funding cuts to schools adopting race-conscious practices across various student life facets, including admissions and scholarships.

In New Hampshire, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty highlighted the serious implications of funding cuts, noting that many educational institutions would struggle to operate effectively without federal support. While the ruling has a nationwide reach, McCafferty’s injunction is restricted to NEA-affiliated schools, thus denying the union’s effort to block the broader implications of the policies in question.

The NEA, alongside the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and other groups, swiftly responded with legal action following Trainor’s letter. Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, emphasized the court’s recognition of the educators’ role in fostering an inclusive environment, stating that the vague requirements imposed by the administration threaten equity in education.

Becky Pringle, president of the NEA, praised the preliminary injunction, asserting that it empowers educators to prioritize student needs without the pressure of questionable regulations. Their statements criticized the influence of Trump, Elon Musk, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, whom they accuse of undermining public education through politically driven directives.

The letter from Trainor, which broadly interpreted a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action, raised significant confusion among educational institutions, prompting the Department of Education to issue clarification documents. As state education officials scrambled to comply with the directives to avoid funding losses, an agreement was reached that has currently paused enforcement.

The Education Department has not yet commented on the rulings. The situation continues to evolve as various stakeholders in the educational community advocate for clarity and support surrounding equitable practices.