A federal judge has largely blocked President Trump’s executive orders aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs. The ruling, issued as a preliminary injunction, halts the immediate implementation of these Executive Orders. The decision came after a lawsuit was filed by a coalition — including higher education diversity officers, university professors, restaurant worker advocates, and the city of Baltimore — asserting that the orders are overly vague, unconstitutional, and threaten academic freedom and the livelihoods of many Americans. The executive orders, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” were signed by President Trump on his first day in office.
LMU leaders continue to actively review recent executive and federal orders — and the judicial landscape — to assess potential impact on the university, working closely with higher education leaders, government relations teams, and policymakers in Washington, D.C., to stay informed and advocate for our students and community.