February 21, 2025
Judge blocks Trump from defunding universities over DEI
Judicial branch blocks educational McCarthyism at universities
📜Constitutional Law✊Civil Rights🎓Education
Federal Judge Adam B. Abelson blocked Trump executive orders targeting DEI programs on Feb. 21, 2025, finding violations of First Amendment academic freedom
The ruling protects federal research funding (approximately $60 billion annually) and Pell Grants (roughly $30 billion annually) for universities nationwide
NADOHE, AAUP, and City of Baltimore filed the lawsuit defending diversity programs that help rural students, veterans, and first-generation college attendees
Judge Abelson ruled funding threats violated constitutional separation of powers and established precedent for academic independence from political interference
Queens College Kessler Scholars Program demonstrates DEI effectiveness with 90% retention rates and graduation rates more than double the national average for first-generation students
The injunction blocks three provisions: terminating equity-related grants, requiring DEI compliance certifications, and bringing enforcement actions against DEI practitioners
The preliminary injunction represents first major judicial victory against Trump administration efforts to politicize federal education funding nationwide
4th Circuit Court of Appeals review is ongoing, but preliminary injunction remains in effect protecting university autonomy during litigation
📜Constitutional Law✊Civil Rights🎓Education
Test Your Knowledge
10
Q1
How much federal funding for educational institutions was protected by court rulings?
Q2
Which federal judge issued a temporary restraining order protecting university diversity programs?
Q3
Which university had $108 million in research funding frozen for alleged racial preferences?
Q4
Which organization should supporters donate to for defending educational freedom in federal court?
Q5
Courts ruled that presidents can withhold education funding to enforce ideological compliance.
5 more questions available
Upgrade to Premium to access all practice questions and unlock advanced quiz features.
Upgrade to PremiumThese questions are part of the Judge blocks Trump from defunding universities over DEI topic. Master this topic by completing the quiz or exploring each question in detail.
Ready to test your knowledge?
Take the full quiz to master this topic and track your progress.
Start QuizPeople, bills, and sources
Adam B. Abelson
U.S. District Judge, District of Maryland
Donald Trump
President of the United States
NADOHE Leadership
National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education
Linda McMahon
Education Secretary (confirmed Mar. 3, 2025)