Federal Judge Rules Anti-DEI Directive for Schools Is Illegal

The new ruling invalidates a Trump administration order from February that says discrimination by educational institutions will no longer be tolerated.

President of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten speaks during a rally in front of the Department of Education to protest budget cuts in Washington on March 13, 2025. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

A federal judge in Maryland on Aug. 14 struck down a U.S. Department of Education directive aimed at removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at schools and universities.

The directive was contained in a Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague” letter that the federal department sent to the education departments in all 50 states. Failing to comply with the directive could lead schools to lose federal funding, the letter said.