City of Baltimore Sues Trump Administration Over DEI Program Cuts
Christian Olaniran, CBS Baltimore, February 4, 2025
The City of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Monday over a string of executive orders that halted federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the nation.
The city joins other plaintiffs, including the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the Restaurant Opportunities Center United (ROC), and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).
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According to the lawsuit, President Trump’s executive order titled, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” seeks to suppress free speech surrounding DEI, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles.
The lawsuit also alleges that the executive order threatens millions of dollars in federal grants that Baltimore City relies on for critical programs and functions.
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In their lawsuit, the City of Baltimore says the DEI executive action is “unconstitutionally vague”, and does not explicitly define what makes a DEI program illegal. The lawsuit argues that the vagueness encourages those tasked with enforcing the order to “engage in discriminatory enforcement.”
The city also expressed concern about a blanket implementation of the policy, specifically noting its potential impact on higher education institutions.
NADOHE, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, is a “membership organization designed for diversity professionals and institutions of higher education to become equipped with the necessary tools to advance equity, inclusion,” according to the organization’s website. NADOHE said its institutional members receive federal grants or hold federal contracts.
The lawsuit says the Trump administration’s order places organizations like NADOHE at risk of being targeted for civil compliance investigations, which could lead to a potential loss of funding.
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Maryland leaders have consistently defended DEI policies, even before Mr. Trump’s executive order.
On Jan. 14, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined a coalition of 13 other attorneys general urging Walmart to reconsider its plans to halt its DEI initiatives.
On Jan. 24, Maryland leaders responded to Executive Order 14173 with a joint resolution, affirming their commitment to DEI.
“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a centuries-old movement deeply rooted in America’s founding principles and its subsequent legacy of civil rights and social justice efforts aimed at delivering the laws, policies, and initiatives that enable America to live up to our Constitution’s promises,” the resolution reads in part.
