Federal judges issued injunctions against the Department of Education's guidance that deemed all race-based programming illegal, citing violations of procedural standards and the First Amendment. These rulings followed lawsuits from the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, who argued the guidance was vague, unconstitutional, and threatened federal funding for schools.
The injunctions prevent the enforcement of the guidance, which had caused many schools and universities to remove or rebrand their DEI initiatives to avoid potential funding cuts. The courts found that the vague language of the guidance created a chilling effect on free speech and academic freedom.
The Department of Education argued the guidance merely clarified existing civil rights laws, ensuring protection for all students. However, the judges ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, stating that the Department did not follow proper procedure and failed to adequately define DEI, thereby harming the plaintiffs.
The rulings were celebrated by education stakeholders, who viewed them as a victory for students, educators, and the preservation of academic freedom. The NEA and AFT hailed the decision as a block to an unlawful attempt to control schools and undermine DEI programs.