Federal Appeals Court: Government-wide DEI restriction efforts can proceed amid legal challenges

The 4th Circuit District Court of Appeals ruled on Friday, March 14, that the Administration’s efforts to restrict illegal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities across all government agencies and recipients of federal funding may proceed while legal challenges are ongoing.

In staying a lower court’s preliminary injunction, the 4th Circuit Court found that the Administration should be allowed to pursue enforcement of two executive orders curtailing DEI efforts while the Administration’s appeal of the preliminary injunction is ongoing. 

The 4th Circuit’s ruling on March 14 also plans to order an expedited briefing schedule for the appeal to consider the constitutional questions at the heart of the lawsuit against enforcement of the executive orders. 

We will continue to monitor and provide updates on these proceedings.