President Donald Trump’s efforts to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs faced legal setbacks as three judges, including two appointed by Trump, ruled against a Department of Education policy. The policy, outlined in a Dear Colleague letter, required schools receiving federal funding to comply with the administration’s DEI prohibitions. US District Judge Landya McCafferty and Judge Dabney Friedrich found the policy to be viewpoint discrimination and likely unconstitutionally vague, violating free speech protections. Judge Stephanie Gallagher also ruled against the policy, citing procedural errors.

The judges’ decisions highlight concerns over the policy’s impact on educators’ freedom to teach without federal interference. Trump’s administration’s aggressive stance on DEI has led to clashes with universities, such as Harvard and Columbia, resulting in funding freezes and legal disputes. The NAACP hailed the rulings as victories for students of color, emphasizing the threat to equal education posed by the administration’s actions.

Overall, the rulings represent a significant blow to Trump’s DEI policies and underscore the ongoing debate over the government’s role in regulating diversity initiatives in educational settings. The legal challenges reflect broader tensions surrounding academic freedom, civil rights, and federal oversight in the realm of education.