Last Friday, a federal judge in Maryland issued a preliminary injunction blocking major parts of Donald Trump’s anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) orders.

The injunction provides, in relevant part:

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The injunction is based on the judge’s finding that these executive orders are likely unconstitutional because they are unconstitutionally vague, or trample on the First Amendment’s right of free speech.

His legal findings are spelled out in a 63-page opinion which provides a tutorial of sorts in constitutional law. To understand why the Trump directives appear to be unconstitutional, I suggest reading through the first section of the opinion, and then perhaps look at specific sections that spell out the legal case in more detail.

This particular case was brought by several plaintiff organizations: The National Association of Diversity Officers in
Higher Education; American Association of University Professors; Restaurant Opportunities Centers United; Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Maryland.

Each plaintiff provided specific examples of how the rights of their members were being violated by the Trump administration’s actions.

Judge Abelson’s opinion granting the motion for preliminary injunction appears below.

If you’re interested, I have also posted the original complaint filed February 3, 2025, and the plaintiff’s memorandum of law supporting their request for preliminary injunction.

Dozens of similar lawsuits have been filed across the country and are slowly making their way through the courts. A simple way to follow their progress is via the Trump Administration Litigation Tracker posted by Lawfare Media.

Memorandum Opinion Granting… by Ian Lind