Appeals court reinstates portions of Trump’s DEI orders

The HIll ^ | 3/14/25 | Zach Schonfeld

[CFW]

A federal appeals court Friday reinstated portions of President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs that were blocked by a lower court.

The unanimous three-judge panel on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the administration is likely to succeed in its February appeal, though the two judges appointed by Democratic presidents made clear a challenge could still succeed in the future.

“But my vote to grant the stay comes with a caveat,” wrote U.S. Circuit Judge Pamela Harris, an appointee of former President Obama. “What the Orders say on their face and how they are enforced are two different things. Agency enforcement actions that go beyond the Orders’ narrow scope may well raise serious First Amendment and Due Process concerns.”

U.S. Circuit Judge Albert Diaz, another Obama appointee, said he agreed and raised concerns about the recent attacks on DEI, saying such programs seem “to be (at least to some) a monster in America’s closet.”

“And despite the vitriol now being heaped on DEI, people of good faith who work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion deserve praise, not opprobrium,” Diaz wrote in a separate opinion.

But the third judge on the panel, U.S. Circuit Judge Allison Jones Rushing, a Trump appointee, chastised her colleague for praising DEI, saying it “should play absolutely no part in deciding this case.”

[CFW]

It's a start.

[monkeyshine]

1st amendment has nothing to do with it. Due process, I don’t think so either. It’s not a criminal matter. It’s a simple hire and fire contract issue and issues for Congress and the Executive to deal with. Can’t see where courts have much of any say unless they are suggesting that a government job is a some kind of right. Which is ridiculous on its face. It’s a right for whom? Only those who already have one? I want one. One of the no-show jobs. Or something where they pay me $120,000 to attend 6 events a year.

[iamgalt]

“though the two judges appointed by Democratic presidents…”.

But there’s not R Judges or D Judges right Roberts?

[MikelTackNailer]

These judges ruling against, then ruling for, government mechanisms on levels they have no jurisdiction over are wearing out my respect for the institution. Either the Supreme Court steps up and solidifies job parameters for these lower courts or Congress has to pass laws defining their limits...or get busy dissolving courts.

This current state of anarchy in the branch of government most meant to define order must cease for the good of the entire nation before it becomes the clown show Israel has devolved to, where their judiciary has totally usurped their legislature and their president remains under constant siege while he has the continuing survival of his country to worry about.

[Cen-Tejas]

I agree with your comments.

[jimfree]

Objection. Her Honor’s opinion calls for speculation.

[noiseman]

“And despite the vitriol now being heaped on DEI, people of good faith who work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion deserve praise, not opprobrium,” Diaz wrote in a separate opinion.

What an idiotic statement. So if you’re selling people poison and telling them it’s soda pop, just so long as you actually believe it’s soda pop we should praise you for selling poison and make sure we follow a long slow process to stop you from poisoning people?