First Judge to Review Trump’s Anti-DEI Executive Orders, Asks Trump Attorneys about Jim Crow

Law360 reported on February 19th, that a Baltimore federal district judge on Wednesday requested a U.S. Department of Justice attorney to clarify what would constitute so-called, “illegal DEI” under Trump’s executive orders that attack DEI in the public and private sectors.

The City of Baltimore and three nonprofit organizations filed suit earlier on February 3rd, claiming the unconstitutionally vague orders violate the First Amendment. U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson questioned the Dept. of Justice Attorney, Pardis Gheibi on what sort of activities the executive orders are targeting.

At one point during the hearing, the judge asked DOJ Attorney Gheibi if it would be “illegal DEI” for a teacher to discuss Jim Crow laws using a computer funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Gheibi stated that too hypothetical to answer.

“You cannot stand here on behalf of the federal government and say there is nothing wrong with that?” Judge Abelson asked.

The DOJ Attorney sated nothing is prohibiting grant recipients and contractors from asking for clarification from the federal government.

The two executive orders being challenged are attacking DEI programs and policies in the federal government while requiring federal contractors and grantees to certify that they aren’t promoting “illegal DEI” that violates federal anti-discrimination laws.

Judge Abelson stated he would “move as quickly” as he could regarding this case.

If you don’t have data all you have is an opinion.