A new legal battle has emerged in the United States as a non-profit organization challenges recent executive orders aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. On February 26, 2025, Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against President Donald J. Trump and several federal departments and officials, including the Department of Labor and the Office of Management and Budget.
The lawsuit stems from two executive orders signed by President Trump on January 20 and 21, 2025. Executive Order 14151 seeks to terminate DEI programs within the federal government, labeling them as "illegal and immoral discrimination." The subsequent order, Executive Order 14173, further emphasizes ending DEI initiatives that allegedly violate civil rights laws. CWIT argues that these orders are unconstitutional, citing violations of free speech under the First Amendment and due process under the Fifth Amendment.
CWIT is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity within skilled trades by preparing women for high-wage careers in fields like carpentry and welding. The organization asserts that approximately 70% of its program participants are Black or Latina women who face significant barriers to employment in these industries. CWIT claims that the executive orders have had a chilling effect on their operations, causing uncertainty about whether their DEI-focused programs could lead to termination of federal grants or liability under the False Claims Act.
The plaintiff is seeking declaratory relief from the court to prevent enforcement of specific provisions within these executive orders. These include sections mandating termination of DEI-related grants and contracts, certification requirements that threaten liability for promoting DEI initiatives deemed illegal by undefined standards, and enforcement threats targeting private sector DEI efforts.
Representing CWIT are attorneys from various law firms challenging these executive actions on constitutional grounds. The case is presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois with Case ID: 1:25-cv-02005.