Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Labor Department's Enforcement of Trump's Anti-DEI Orders

The ruling halts certification requirements for contractors and grantees, citing constitutional concerns, with broader legal challenges ongoing.

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.