Judge Blocks Trump Effort to Cut School Funds Over DEI Programs

• Apr 24, 2025

A federal judge in New Hampshire has blocked the Trump administration from cutting education funding to public schools involved in certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The decision, issued on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty, prevents the administration from enforcing its restrictions—at least for now—on schools affiliated with the plaintiffs in the case.

The lawsuit was brought by the National Education Association (NEA), the country’s largest teachers union, and the Center for Black Educator Development. These groups challenged a move by the Education Department, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, to withhold federal funding from schools that failed to comply with the administration’s view of civil rights law.

In February, the Education Department had sent a letter to all 50 states, warning that schools risked losing federal Title I funding—critical money used to support low-income students—if they continued participating in DEI initiatives that the administration believes violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The letter accused schools of promoting “pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences” and teaching that the United States is rooted in “systemic and structural racism.”

Judge McCafferty, appointed by former President Barack Obama, ruled that the administration’s actions would “cripple the operations of many educational institutions” and overstepped executive authority. She emphasized that punishing schools based on such a narrow and politically motivated interpretation of civil rights law was both harmful and unlawful.

In her ruling, McCafferty raised concerns about how this policy would affect educators. She questioned whether teachers discussing U.S. history, literature, or race-related topics might be punished under the administration’s directive. “These are not hypotheticals,” she wrote, noting that many teachers are already unsure about what they are allowed to teach.

The judge also criticized the administration’s definition of DEI, saying it clashed with standard dictionary definitions and the commonly accepted meaning of the term.

Becky Pringle, president of the NEA, welcomed the ruling, stating that it ensures schools and teachers can continue focusing on students’ needs without fear of punishment.

The Trump administration, however, defended its actions. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said President Trump is committed to protecting civil rights and ending DEI programs that, in their view, violate the principle of equality under the law.

This legal battle is part of a wider campaign by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI policies across government agencies and schools. President Trump previously signed executive orders banning certain DEI initiatives in federal agencies and among federal contractors.