Fourth Circuit Reopens Trump DEI-Related Executive Orders, Halts Preliminary Injunction
On March 14, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit granted the government’s request to stay a Maryland federal judge’s nationwide preliminary injunction that h ad blocked key portions of the president’s executive orders (EO) related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), meaning the provisions are again enforceable as the appellate court mulls the lawfulness of the EOs. Quick Hits A panel for the Fourth Circuit granted the government’s request to stay a nationwide preliminary injunction that had blocked three key provisions of President Donald Trump’s DEI-related EOs. The ruling comes after the federal judge in Maryland who issued the preliminary injunction had raised concerns over reports that federal agencies were potentially violating the ruling. A three-judge panel for the Fourth Circuit ruled that the government had met its burden to stay, pending appeal, the nationwide preliminary injunction enjoining the termination, certification, and enfo...