Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Trump Administration's Race Data Directive for Universities
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against a directive from the Donald Trump administration that would have forced universities to submit data by next week to demonstrate they no longer consider race in their admissions processes.
Legal Challenge from Democratic State Attorneys
U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, sitting in Boston, granted the order on Friday at the request of 17 Democratic state attorneys general who filed a lawsuit. The legal action challenges a newly introduced component within the mandatory annual surveys used by the U.S. Department of Education to collect information from higher education institutions.
This development follows news from last month that dozens of universities have cut ties with The PhD Project, an organisation that assists racial minorities in earning doctorate degrees. The Trump administration has actively campaigned to end diversity programs in higher education, arguing they frequently disadvantage white and Asian American students.
Scrutiny of The PhD Project
The PhD Project, a previously lesser-known non-profit, came under scrutiny last year after attracting attention from conservative strategists, leading to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. Launched in March 2025, the investigation has already resulted in 31 universities agreeing to terminate their partnerships with the group, according to the department's Office for Civil Rights. Discussions are ongoing with a further 14 institutions.
In its statement, the department asserted that The PhD Project "unlawfully limits eligibility based on the race of participants" and that institutions partnering with it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in education programs and activities receiving federal funding.
Administration's Stance on Equality
Education Secretary Linda McMahon commented, "This is the Trump effect in action: institutions of higher education are agreeing to cut ties with discriminatory organizations, recommitting themselves to abiding by federal law, and restoring equality of opportunity on campuses across the nation."
The temporary restraining order represents a significant legal setback for the administration's efforts to reshape admissions policies and diversity initiatives in American universities. The case highlights ongoing national debates about race, equity, and educational access as institutions navigate complex federal requirements.
