Judge Allows Grant Program for Black Women Entrepreneurs to Continue, Setting Precedent for Corporate Diversity Initiatives

A federal judge in Georgia refused to block a grant program exclusively for Black women entrepreneurs run by venture capital firm Fearless Fund.
The judge ruled the program is protected speech under the First Amendment, denying a preliminary injunction sought by a conservative group claiming racial exclusion.
The decision allows Fearless Fund's program supporting Black women founders to continue and is seen as a significant test case for corporate diversity efforts.
Lawsuits challenging diversity initiatives cite the Supreme Court's race-blind college admissions ruling, which could impact corporate DEI approaches.
The legal challenges come as companies make racial equity commitments but also face pushback, reflecting ongoing debates around corporate diversity policies.