Court Halts Trump Admin's Attempt to Penalize Schools Over Race Lessons

Federal Court Halts Controversial Education Policy

BALTIMORE - A significant legal decision has been made in favor of educators and public school districts across the United States. A federal court has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against a policy introduced by the Trump administration, which threatened educational institutions with prosecution or loss of federal funding if they taught lessons involving race and racism or provided diversity and inclusion programs.

The lawsuit, American Federation of Teachers, et al. v. U.S. Department of Education, et al., was filed by a coalition including the American Federation of Teachers, AFT-Maryland, the American Sociological Association, and Eugene School District 4J. The case challenges a “Dear Colleague Letter” issued by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights on February 14, 2025. This letter had set a deadline of April 24, 2025, for school districts to certify compliance.

Randi Weingarten, President of the AFT, stated, “This is a huge win for students, families and educators. Today the court confirmed the importance of our job as educators to foster opportunity, dignity, and engagement. We create safe and welcoming classrooms where students are cared for and accepted. We teach the skills and knowledge they need to navigate a diverse and complex world. And we value critical thinking, which requires us to present history in an open and honest way.” Weingarten emphasized the court’s decision as a defense against what she described as a “grave attack on students, our profession, honest history, and knowledge itself.”

Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman commented, “Today’s decision affirms what we have always known: this administration’s attempts to censor schools, teachers, educators, colleges, and universities is unlawful. This ruling is a win for educators, students and communities across the nation.” Perryman highlighted that the injunction would provide a pause to demonstrate the unconstitutionality of the Trump administration's educational policies.

This legal action is the latest in a series of steps taken by the Trump administration that have been perceived as undermining civil rights law and imposing penalties on educational institutions. The ongoing case seeks to protect schools and the communities they serve.

AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell added, “Today’s decision from the court affirms what we already know – the Trump administration is unlawfully threatening educators who meet the diverse needs of every student and undermining our public education system.”

American Sociological Association President Adia Harvey Wingfield noted, “This injunction is an important step towards preserving educators’ ability to do their jobs effectively and well. Sociology helps explain why parts of society—schools, neighborhoods, workplaces—can maintain racial inequality, even when the individuals steering them have the best intentions. This knowledge matters more than ever in an increasingly diverse society.”

Jenny Jonak, Chair of the Eugene School District 4J Board, expressed relief at the court’s order, stating, “The Court’s order ensures that our public schools can continue to provide fair and equal access to public education for all our students.” She emphasized the importance of educators being able to teach accurately and provide necessary support without the threat of losing federal funding.

To view the preliminary injunction, click here, and for the full amended complaint, click here. 

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