ABA in Settlement Talks with Anti-DEI Group

Lawsuit over law school scholarships prompts negotiations between the bar association and a nonprofit led by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The American Bar Association is in settlement discussions with the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a nonprofit group founded by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum, over a lawsuit regarding the ABA's law school scholarships. The two sides are seeking more time to negotiate a potential resolution to the litigation, which was filed in April 2025 by Blum's organization.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education, with Blum's group alleging the ABA's scholarship programs discriminate against certain applicants. The outcome of these settlement talks could impact the future of such DEI efforts within the legal profession.

The details

The American Alliance for Equal Rights, led by Edward Blum, sued the American Bar Association in April 2025 over the organization's law school scholarship programs. The alliance alleged the ABA's initiatives unlawfully discriminate against certain applicants. Now, the two sides are engaged in settlement discussions to determine if they can resolve the matter without further litigation, according to a court filing.

  • The lawsuit was filed in April 2025.
  • The settlement talks are ongoing as of February 2026.

The players

American Bar Association

The national organization for the legal profession in the United States.

American Alliance for Equal Rights

A nonprofit group founded by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum that sued the ABA over its law school scholarship programs.

Edward Blum

The founder of the American Alliance for Equal Rights and a longtime opponent of affirmative action policies.

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What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will determine if the settlement talks are successful and whether the lawsuit can be resolved without further court proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in higher education, with opponents like the American Alliance for Equal Rights challenging such programs as discriminatory. The outcome of these settlement talks could set an important precedent for the legal profession.