Federal Judge Blocks Trump-Era Directive to End School DEI Programs

The ruling protects teachers' ability to create inclusive classrooms and prepare students for the future.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A federal judge in New Hampshire has officially blocked a directive from the Trump administration that would have forced public K-12 schools and colleges to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or risk losing millions in federal funding. The ruling comes after the Trump administration lost separate federal court cases over the directive, which educators and civil rights groups argued violated free speech and discriminated against marginalized students.

Why it matters

The court decision alleviates the anxiety many educators have felt about what they can and cannot teach regarding issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It protects teachers' ability to create inclusive learning environments and prepare students for the increasingly diverse world they will enter after graduation.

The details

The 'Dear Colleague Letter' directive, signed last year by the acting assistant secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education, gave schools 14 days to comply with ending DEI programs or face losing federal funding. The American Civil Liberties Union, its state branches, the National Education Association, and the Center for Black Educator Development sued the federal government over the directive, arguing it was vague, restricted free speech, and imposed illegal obligations on teachers and schools. A federal judge in New Hampshire initially blocked the directive in April 2025, and the government has now lost its appeal, with the judge ruling the directive violated the common meaning of 'diversity, equity, and inclusion'.

  • The 'Dear Colleague Letter' directive was issued in February 2025.
  • A federal judge in New Hampshire initially blocked the directive in April 2025.
  • The federal government lost its appeal and the directive was officially blocked on February 18, 2026.

The players

Landya McCafferty

A federal judge in New Hampshire who ruled against the Trump administration's directive to end school DEI programs.

Becky Pringle

President of the National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers' union, who praised the court decision as protecting diversity and equity in education.

Sharif El-Mekki

CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, a plaintiff in the lawsuit against the federal government, who said the ruling protects teachers' ability to create inclusive classrooms.

Craig Trainor

The acting assistant secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education who signed the 'Dear Colleague Letter' directive.

Linda McMahon

The Education Secretary under the Trump administration who pushed the directive to end school DEI programs.

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What they’re saying

“Diversity is our uniqueness and our strength. Equity means every student gets what they need, when they need it, and in the way that serves them best. And inclusion means all students are seen, valued, respected, and have access to opportunities and support.”

— Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association (Word In Black)

“Educators, parents, and community leaders will continue to organize, mobilize, and take action to protect our students and their futures.”

— Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association (Word In Black)

“The federal ruling protects teachers' livelihoods and their responsibility to teach truthfully at a time when many communities are facing severe teacher shortages. Now, educators are free to create inclusive environments that prepare students for the future.”

— Sharif El-Mekki, CEO, Center for Black Educator Development (Word In Black)

What’s next

The Department of Education has indicated it will not appeal the federal court's decision, allowing the ruling to stand and protecting the ability of schools to maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

The takeaway

This court victory for educators and civil rights advocates reaffirms the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools, and ensures teachers can continue creating learning environments that prepare all students for success in an increasingly diverse world.