Maryland and Civil Rights Groups Sue Trump Over Executive Orders on Diversity Programs

The city of Maryland, along with three civil rights groups, filed a lawsuit on Monday against former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, challenging two executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity programs. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, alleges that the orders exceed presidential authority and violate the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs seek injunctions to halt the orders and have them declared unlawful.

The lawsuit, backed by organizations such as the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the American Association of University Professors, criticizes Trump’s attempts to end federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The orders, issued during Trump’s first two days back in office, threatened dismissals and financial penalties to curtail DEI programs across government agencies and private organizations.

The plaintiffs argue that the orders undermine essential efforts to correct historical discrimination and promote equality in government and private sectors. “In his crusade to erase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, President Trump cannot usurp Congress’s exclusive power nor silence dissent through threats of federal funding cuts,” the lawsuit reads. The White House referred inquiries to the Justice Department, which has yet to respond.

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