The city of Baltimore and three civil rights organizations have, in a bold legal move, filed a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn two recent executive orders issued by the Trump administration aimed at ending federal diversity programs.
Filed Monday, February 3, 2025, the lawsuit targets the orders as unconstitutional, arguing that they violate core constitutional protections and undermine efforts to promote equal opportunity across various sectors.
The plaintiffs in the case include the City of Baltimore, along with the American Association of University Professors, the Restaurant Opportunities Center United, and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.
These organizations argue that the executive orders infringe on First Amendment rights by discouraging institutions—such as universities, corporations, and other organizations—from engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the threat of government scrutiny.
They also assert that the orders violate the Fifth Amendment by potentially depriving them of their rights without due process.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the executive orders, describing them as part of a broader attack on diversity efforts in the U.S.
“This executive order goes beyond just attacking DEI; it aims to establish the legal framework to attack anyone or any place who dares to celebrate our diversity,” Mayor Scott said in a statement.
The legal challenge follows a series of aggressive actions by President Donald Trump against DEI programs. Shortly after taking office in January, the President issued two executive orders within 48 hours, effectively banning DEI initiatives within federal agencies, contractors, and institutions.
Additionally, President Trump has threatened civil investigations and loss of funding for those who fail to comply, including schools with endowments exceeding $1 billion.
The plaintiffs in this lawsuit contend that President Trump has overstepped his executive authority, arguing that the executive orders were implemented without proper legal justification and undermine fundamental civil rights.
The lawsuit aims to reverse the orders and ensure that federal diversity programs continue to thrive in support of a more inclusive society.
This case, which is still in its early stages, could have significant implications for the future of DEI efforts in the U.S., potentially setting a precedent for how diversity-related initiatives are treated under federal law.
