NADOE v. Trump - DEI Executive Orders Challenge
Challenge to both DEI EOs (14151 and 14173). Judge Abelson issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on First and Fifth Amendment grounds covering terminations of equity-related grants, DEI certification requirements, and DOJ enforcement threats. Fourth Circuit later stayed the injunction pending appeal.
Case Details
Challenge to both DEI EOs (14151 and 14173). Judge Abelson issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on First and Fifth Amendment grounds covering terminations of equity-related grants, DEI certification requirements, and DOJ enforcement threats. Fourth Circuit later stayed the injunction pending appeal.
Date Filed
2025-02-13
Status
Preliminary Injunction
Court
U.S. District Court, District of Maryland / Fourth Circuit
Outcome
Nationwide preliminary injunction granted; stayed by Fourth Circuit pending appeal
Related Executive Actions (2)
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs (EO 14151)
Orders termination of all federal DEI programs and equity-related grants and contracts. Requires contractors to certify they do not operate DEI programs. Blocked by federal judge on First and Fifth Amendment grounds with a nationwide preliminary injunction, later stayed by Fourth Circuit pending appeal.
Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (EO 14173)
Companion to EO 14151 targeting private sector DEI. Requires certification and threatens DOJ enforcement against private companies. EEOC sent letters to 20 law firms seeking information about employment practices including DEI, citing Title VII.
Plaintiffs / Parties
- National Association of Diversity Officers
- AAUP
- Restaurant Opportunities Centers United
- Mayor and City Council of Baltimore