Overview

• Judge Matthew Kennelly issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Department of Labor from enforcing certification requirements under President Trump's anti-DEI executive orders.
• The certification provision required contractors and grantees to confirm they do not operate DEI programs that violate federal anti-discrimination laws, raising concerns about free speech and vagueness.
• The ruling applies to all Labor Department contractors and grantees, with the judge noting that the provision likely pressures organizations to curtail DEI efforts to avoid financial penalties.
• The lawsuit was filed by Chicago Women in Trades, which argued the executive orders threaten its mission to support women in skilled trades and are unconstitutionally vague.
• A hearing on a potential longer-lasting injunction against the executive orders is scheduled for April 10, while the temporary block remains in effect for two weeks.