BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 18 state attorneys general in a powerful show of support for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs, urging a federal appeals court to reinstate an injunction against two controversial executive orders issued under President Donald Trump.
Filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the amicus brief supports the plaintiffs in National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump. The case challenges vague and sweeping provisions of executive orders that, according to critics, seek to dismantle DEIA efforts by cutting off federal funding to institutions and contractors that support such initiatives.
“These unconstitutional executive orders force Maryland’s federal contractors and grantees to make an impossible choice: abandon critical programs that promote fairness, opportunity, and belonging, or lose millions in federal funding,” said Attorney General Brown. “By supporting Baltimore’s lawsuit, we’re fighting not only for Maryland’s financial interests but also for the fundamental principles of inclusion and opportunity that make our communities, schools, and workplaces stronger.”
“In California we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, especially when it comes to ensuring that all Californians have an equal opportunity to thrive and feel empowered to contribute to society,” said California Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to remove programs and policies that combat discrimination and promote economic and social benefits is frankly un-American. Programs and practices that incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are critical to states, as they not only drive innovation and economic growth, but also provide essential benefits to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
“The programs President Trump targets in this case are valuable and entirely lawful,” said Nevada Attorney General Ford. “People who feel valued and respected are more engaged and more likely to contribute their best to their workplace and their colleagues. Initiatives supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility create a sense of belonging and enhance the sharing of ideas, allowing everyone to reach their full potential. I am proud to stand against efforts to dismantle these programs.”
The Legal Fight for Equity
At the heart of the lawsuit are executive orders that require federal agencies to terminate “equity related grants or contracts” and force recipients to certify that they do not promote DEIA initiatives. One order even directed the U.S. Attorney General to pressure private sector employers to roll back their DEIA programs—a move critics argue amounts to government overreach and ideological targeting.
The legal challenge, brought by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, claims these orders violate constitutional protections and harm communities by undermining programs that are both lawful and essential for addressing inequality.
While a lower court previously sided with the plaintiffs and issued an injunction to block the orders, the Fourth Circuit later stayed that injunction while the appeal proceeds. Now, Attorney General Brown and his colleagues are urging the court to reinstate the injunction and affirm the lower court’s ruling.
“The Trump administration’s efforts to unwind the progress we have made towards advancing equal opportunity for all Americans is a government-sanctioned intimidation campaign designed to undermine our civil rights laws,” said Colorado Attorney General Weiser. “Attempts to sow division and stoke fear to create a less inclusive society are wrong, and supporting the plaintiffs in this case is just one way I am continuing to defend programs that aim to remove barriers to equal opportunity.”
“Diversity initiatives are lawful, and studies show that they lead to more successful businesses and learning environments,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “I will stand with those who are challenging this administration’s illegal attempts to eliminate these programs and turn back the clock on the important progress that has been made toward equity.”
Broad Coalition Defends DEIA
In their brief, the attorneys general argue that DEIA programs not only comply with civil rights laws but enhance educational institutions, businesses, and public services by fostering inclusive and equitable environments. They stress that these programs are vital to state interests—from improving public health outcomes to expanding economic opportunity and maintaining civil rights protections.
In addition to Maryland, the brief is backed by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
The case is part of a broader legal and political battle over the future of DEIA initiatives in both public and private sectors. As state and federal officials face increasing pressure to defend or dismantle such programs, the outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for how aggressively the federal government can restrict diversity focused efforts through executive action.
For Maryland and other states standing in opposition, the message is clear: inclusion is not just a value—it’s a right worth defending.
