Federal court blocks diversity training executive order

Stanford University applauded a federal court decision granting a preliminary nationwide injunction against a recent executive order that sought to limit diversity training programs undertaken by federal contractors and grant recipients, including universities.

Stanford joined seven other universities last month in an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to Executive Order 13950. The brief argued that the order “unfairly and unlawfully forces [universities] to choose between preserving critical trainings and safeguarding their academic freedoms on the one hand, and forgoing needed federal funding for cutting-edge research on the other.”

U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman in the Northern District of California granted the preliminary injunction barring enforcement of the executive order, saying the order chills the exercise of constitutionally protected speech.

“Advancing equity and inclusion is a central priority for Stanford, and we are pleased that this decision recognizes the challenges the executive order poses for the efforts of universities to build equity and inclusion through meaningful training programs,” said Debra Zumwalt, Stanford vice president and general counsel.