In February, the Department of Education directed federally funded institutions to cease all “unlawful DEI programs” in admissions, hiring, financial aid, and classroom instruction. In April, the Department of Education issued a certification requirement that obligated federally funded institutions to certify compliance with the DEI order or lose funding and face liability under the False Claims Act. The NAACP filed suit, challenging the DEI order and the certification requirement.
On April 24, 2025, a federal district court enjoined the DEI order and the certification requirement, finding them unconstitutionally vague. The court reasoned that the order and the certification were vague because they prohibited certain DEI initiatives without identifying specific programs that might result in a loss of federal funding.
