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Trump Administration Abandons Appeal on DEI Funding Ruling

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration dropped its appeal of a court ruling that blocked its plan to withhold federal funding from schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
A federal judge found the administration's actions violated First Amendment rights and lacked proper procedure.
The American Federation of Teachers and others filed the lawsuit to limit executive power in education.

History

Historical Context

The 1971 Supreme Court ruling in *Cohen v. California* established that offensive speech, such as Paul Cohen's "Fuck the Draft" jacket, is protected under the First Amendment. This precedent has influenced educational organizations like the American Federation of Teachers, which recently challenged federal funding cuts to schools with DEI programs, reflecting ongoing tensions between federal authority and educational autonomy in the U.S.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration dropped its appeal of a court ruling that blocked its plan to withhold federal funding from schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
A federal judge found the administration's actions violated First Amendment rights and lacked proper procedure.
The American Federation of Teachers and others filed the lawsuit to limit executive power in education.

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