Court Rules Against Trump-Vance Admin's Civil Rights Law Interpretation

Legal Victory Secures Educational Support Programs

BALTIMORE – A significant legal battle concerning civil rights in education reached its conclusion as the government withdrew its appeal against a court ruling that had invalidated its directives. The U.S. District Court for Maryland had previously sided with educational organizations in the case American Federation of Teachers et al v. U.S. Department of Education et al, opposing the Trump-Vance administration's policies.

“This is a huge victory for kids,” stated AFT President Randi Weingarten. “In this case, with the stroke of a pen, the administration tried to take a hatchet to 60 years of civil rights laws that were meant to create educational opportunity to for all kids. They attempted to rewrite and redefine opportunity to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion and threatened schools and districts with penalties if they failed to comply. It took a union to stand in the stead of kids and educators who feared retribution from the government.

“When you fight you don’t always win, but you never win without a fight. We are proud that this case has once again halted the administration’s pattern of using executive fiat to undermine America’s laws that enshrine justice and opportunity for all.”

The court's decision nullified a controversial letter and certification mandate from the Department of Education, which had threatened funding cuts to educational bodies that did not conform to its civil rights policy revisions. The administration's approach was deemed unconstitutional and in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), as highlighted in Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher’s ruling.

Democracy Forward, representing the coalition, released an analysis indicating the administration's high loss rate in federal court cases, with defeats in 70-80% of instances. Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, commented on the ruling's significance: “Today’s dismissal confirms what the data shows: government attorneys are having an increasingly difficult time defending the lawlessness of the president and his cabinet. And, when people show up and resist, they win. This is a welcome relief and a meaningful win for public education.”

The legal challenge was initiated by groups including the AFT, AFT-Maryland, and the American Sociological Association, among others, in response to a "Dear Colleague Letter" from February 2025. The letter had imposed strict compliance measures under threat of funding withdrawal and criminal penalties for schools teaching certain curricula or fostering inclusive environments.

For further details, the full amended complaint is available here and the motion to dismiss can be accessed here.

About the AFT

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents a broad spectrum of educators and professionals, including 1.8 million members in various educational and healthcare roles.

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