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Arts Organizations Sue NEA Over Trump-Era Grant Restrictions on ‘Gender Ideology’

The lawsuit, backed by the ACLU, challenges the constitutionality of funding rules that bar projects affirming transgender and nonbinary identities.

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Overview

  • Four arts organizations, represented by the ACLU, have filed a lawsuit against the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) over new grant restrictions tied to President Trump's executive order on 'gender ideology.'
  • The lawsuit argues that the restrictions violate the First and Fifth Amendments, as well as the NEA's statutory mandate to judge grants solely on artistic merit and excellence.
  • The executive order, issued on Trump's first day back in office, prohibits federal funds from being used to promote 'gender ideology' and restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
  • The plaintiffs, including Rhode Island Latino Arts and National Queer Theater, claim the restrictions have effectively barred them from receiving funding for projects affirming LGBTQ+ identities.
  • The ACLU is seeking an injunction to halt the enforcement of the restrictions before the NEA's grant application deadline on March 24, citing widespread harm to the arts community.