Case: National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump

8:26-cv-01532 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Filed Date: April 20, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged President Trump’s March 26, 2026 Executive Order titled "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors." On April 20, 2026, five organizations—National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, American Association of University Professors, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park, National Association of Minority Contractors, and National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter—filed suit in the U.S. District Court for…

This case challenged President Trump’s March 26, 2026 Executive Order titled "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors."

On April 20, 2026, five organizations—National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, American Association of University Professors, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park, National Association of Minority Contractors, and National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter—filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland against President Donald J. Trump as well as the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The plaintiffs alleged that President Trump’s Executive Order concerning federal contractors and DEI discrimination violated their First Amendment right to speak on topics related to race, ethnicity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. They also claimed that this Order impaired their ability to operate their businesses, even though their speech and association complied with federal antidiscrimination law.

According to the complaint, the Order broadly defined "racially discriminatory DEI activities" to include most mentions of "race or ethnicity" and required federal contractors to agree they would not engage in such activities. The plaintiffs argued that the Order was designed to intimidate organizations and businesses into abandoning DEI efforts by threatening loss of federal contracts, debarment, and potential civil or criminal penalties under the False Claims Act. The lawsuit sought declaratory relief because the Order was unlawful and unconstitutional, injunctive relief to prevent implementation of the Order, and attorneys’ fees. The case was assigned to District Judge Adam B Abelson.

On May 22, 2026, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint which added three new causes of action under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), claiming arbitrary and capricious agency action, as well as alleged violations of the Fifth Amendment.

On June 4, 2026, the plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction, asking the court to enjoin the Order and stay or, in the alternative, enjoin the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council Memorandum on agency implementation of the Order to prevent irreparable harm before resolution of the case.

On October 14, 2026, the court issued an opinion and order denying the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction and stay. 2026 WL 3070159. With respect to the plaintiffs’ First Amendment claims, the court held that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a likelihood of success as to their overbreadth challenge. Because what constituted “racially discriminatory DEI activities” was defined in the March 26, 2026 Executive Order, the Contractors Order did not prohibit a “substantially disproportionate” amount of constitutionally protected speech. Further, the court held that the Order did not impermissibly regulate the content of speech or impose unconstitutional conditions because it mandated compliance with existing anti-discrimination laws, which were not challenged here. Regarding the plaintiffs’ Fifth Amendment claim, the court held that the Contractors Order was not so vague on its face that it violated the Fifth Amendment because it provided adequate notice of the proscribed conduct. The Contractors Order expressly applied only to work the contractor was performing for the government pursuant to the contract in which the model language appeared. Finally, the court declined to address the parties’ remaining disputes regarding the FAR Memo and the plaintiffs’ APA claims, stating that the plaintiffs had not shown irreparable harm attributable to the FAR Memo sufficient to warrant preliminary relief.

As of November 1, 2026, the case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Zahra Jamil (6/25/2026)

Ian Gibson (8/3/2026)

Allie Chang (11/1/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73215723/parties/national-association-of-diversity-officers-in-higher-education-v-donald-j/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bressler, Steven Y. (Maryland)

Clark, Briana M. (Maryland)

Lippe, Sarah C (Maryland)

Attorney for Defendant

Al-Shareffi, Esam (Maryland)

Gheibi, Pardis (Maryland)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bressler, Steven Y. (Maryland)

Clark, Briana M. (Maryland)

Lippe, Sarah C (Maryland)

Matthews, Andrea J. (Maryland)

Menschel, Brooke (Maryland)

Miller, Kristen P (Maryland)

Netter, Brian D. (Maryland)

Snyder, Ross (Maryland)

Attorney for Defendant

Al-Shareffi, Esam (Maryland)

Gheibi, Pardis (Maryland)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 8:26-cv-01532	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	April 20, 2026	April 20, 2026 Complaint
26 8:26-cv-01532	Amended Complaint For Declaratory And Injunctive Relief	May 22, 2026	May 22, 2026 Complaint
28-1 8:26-cv-01532	Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction and 5 U.S.C. § 705 Stay	June 4, 2026	June 4, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief
47 8:26-cv-01532	Memorandum Opinion	Oct. 14, 2026	Oct. 14, 2026 Order/Opinion
49 8:26-cv-01532	Plaintiffs' Notice of Voluntary Dismissal	Oct. 28, 2026	Oct. 28, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73215723/national-association-of-diversity-officers-in-higher-education-v-donald-j/

Last updated Nov. 11, 2026, 1:51 p.m.

Docket for: National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Donald J. Trump

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	April 20, 2026	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number AMDDC-12695019.), filed by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/20/2026)	Clearinghouse
2	April 20, 2026	QC NOTICE: 1 Complaint, filed by National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, American Association of University Professors, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education was filed incorrectly. **The following attachments or exhibits are missing - Summons for named defendants and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. To correct this problem, file Summons using the event Notice (Other) and link Summons to 1 . (ols, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/20/2026)	RECAP
3	April 20, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Brooke Menschel on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/20/2026)	RECAP
	April 20, 2026	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	April 20, 2026	Case Assigned to Judge Adam B Abelson. (jf3s, Deputy Clerk)
4	April 21, 2026	NOTICE by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park re 1 Complaint, (Attachments: # 1 Summons, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons, # 10 Summons, # 11 Summons, # 12 Summons, # 13 Summons, # 14 Summons, # 15 Summons, # 16 Summons, # 17 Summons, # 18 Summons, # 19 Summons, # 20 Summons, # 21 Summons, # 22 Summons, # 23 Summons, # 24 Summons, # 25 Summons, # 26 Summons, # 27 Summons, # 28 Summons, # 29 Summons, # 30 Summons, # 31 Summons, # 32 Summons, # 33 Summons, # 34 Summons, # 35 Summons, # 36 Summons, # 37 Summons, # 38 Summons)(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/21/2026)	RECAP
5	April 21, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Steven Y. Bressler on behalf of American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park (Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 04/21/2026)	RECAP
6	April 21, 2026	Summons Issued 60 days as to Bryan Bedford, Todd Blanche, Doug Burgum, Doug Collins, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency, Executive Office of the President, Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, Federal Aviation Administration, Pete Hegseth, Jared Isaacman, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Kelly Loeffler, Howard W. Lutnick, Markwayne Mullin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Office of Management and Budget, Kevin Rhodes, Brooke Rollins, Small Business Administration, Brian Stone, The United States of America, Donald J. Trump, Russell Vought, Chris Wright, Lee Zeldin and U.S. Attorney (ols, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/21/2026)	RECAP
7	April 21, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Ross Snyder on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Snyder, Ross) (Entered: 04/21/2026)	RECAP
8	April 21, 2026	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Andrea J. Matthews (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12698034.) by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 04/21/2026)	RECAP
9	April 21, 2026	PAPERLESS ORDER granting 8 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Andrea J. Matthews. Directing attorney Andrea J. Matthews to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 4/21/2026. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/21/2026)	RECAP
10	April 21, 2026	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Briana M. Clark (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12699196.) by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/21/2026)	RECAP
11	April 22, 2026	PAPERLESS ORDER granting 10 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Briana M. Clark. Directing attorney Briana M. Clark to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 4/22/2026. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/22/2026)	RECAP
12	April 28, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Brian D. Netter on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Netter, Brian) (Entered: 04/28/2026)	RECAP
13	April 29, 2026	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Sarah Von Der Lippe (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12716418.) by National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/29/2026)	RECAP
14	April 29, 2026	Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/29/2026)	RECAP
15	April 29, 2026	Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by American Association of University Professors (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/29/2026)	RECAP
16	April 29, 2026	Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 04/29/2026)	RECAP
17	April 29, 2026	Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by National Association of Minority Contractors (Snyder, Ross) (Entered: 04/29/2026)	RECAP
18	April 29, 2026	Local Rule 103.3 Disclosure Statement by National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter (Snyder, Ross) (Entered: 04/29/2026)	RECAP
19	April 30, 2026	PAPERLESS ORDER granting 13 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Sarah Von Der Lippe. Directing attorney Sarah Von Der Lippe to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 4/30/2026. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 04/30/2026)	RECAP
20	May 20, 2026	MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Kristen Miller (Filing fee $100, receipt number AMDDC-12764305.) by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 05/20/2026)	RECAP
21	May 21, 2026	PAPERLESS ORDER granting 20 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Kristen P Miller. Directing attorney Kristen P Miller to register for pro hac vice filing in the District of Maryland through PACER at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ if attorney has not already done so. The Pro Hac Vice option must be selected when registering. Signed by Clerk on 5/21/2026. (mh4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
22	May 22, 2026	SUMMONS Returned Executed by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter. All Defendants.(Matthews, Andrea) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
23	May 22, 2026	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Complaint, Summons, Civil Cover Sheet served on U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Attorney General of the U.S., and all Defendants on 4/22/2026 (U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland), filed by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park.(Matthews, Andrea) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
24	May 22, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Pardis Gheibi on behalf of All Defendants (Gheibi, Pardis) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
25	May 22, 2026	Joint MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint and for Extension of Time for Defendants' Answer by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 05/22/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
26	May 22, 2026	AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit L.R. 103(6) redline)(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 05/22/2026) 1 Exhibit L.R. 103(6) redline View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
27	May 26, 2026	ORDER granting 25 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 5/26/2026. (bm5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 05/26/2026)	RECAP
28	June 4, 2026	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Memorandum of Law, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit 3 - NADOHE Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 4 - AAUP Declaration, # 5 Exhibit 5 - NAMC Declaration, # 6 Exhibit 6 - NAMC-DMV Declaration, # 7 Exhibit 7 - UAM-UMD Declaration, # 8 Exhibit 8 - Declaration of Peter Little)(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 06/04/2026) 1 Exhibit 1 - Memorandum of Law View on Clearinghouse 2 Exhibit 2 - Proposed Order View on RECAP 3 Exhibit 3 - NADOHE Declaration View on RECAP 4 Exhibit 4 - AAUP Declaration View on RECAP 5 Exhibit 5 - NAMC Declaration View on RECAP 6 Exhibit 6 - NAMC-DMV Declaration View on RECAP 7 Exhibit 7 - UAM-UMD Declaration View on RECAP 8 Exhibit 8 - Declaration of Peter Little View on RECAP	RECAP
29	June 12, 2026	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 28 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Bryan Bedford, Todd Blanche, Doug Burgum, Doug Collins, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency, Executive Office of the President, Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, Federal Aviation Administration, Pete Hegseth, Jared Isaacman, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Kelly Loeffler, Howard W. Lutnick, Markwayne Mullin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Office of Management and Budget, Kevin Rhodes, Brooke Rollins, Small Business Administration, Brian Stone, The United States of America, Donald J. Trump, Russell Vought, Chris Wright, Lee Zeldin (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Gheibi, Pardis) (Entered: 06/12/2026) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
30	June 12, 2026	ORDER granting 29 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 29 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 28 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction; extended to 6/25/2026. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 6/12/2026. (bm5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 06/12/2026)	RECAP
31	June 25, 2026	Consent MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Bryan Bedford, Todd Blanche, Doug Burgum, Doug Collins, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency, Executive Office of the President, Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, Federal Aviation Administration, Pete Hegseth, Jared Isaacman, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Kelly Loeffler, Howard W. Lutnick, Markwayne Mullin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Office of Management and Budget, Kevin Rhodes, Brooke Rollins, Small Business Administration, Brian Stone, The United States of America, Donald J. Trump, Russell Vought, Chris Wright, Lee Zeldin (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Gheibi, Pardis) (Entered: 06/25/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
32	June 25, 2026	RESPONSE in Opposition re 28 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Bryan Bedford, Todd Blanche, Doug Burgum, Doug Collins, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency, Executive Office of the President, Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, Federal Aviation Administration, Pete Hegseth, Jared Isaacman, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Kelly Loeffler, Howard W. Lutnick, Markwayne Mullin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Office of Management and Budget, Kevin Rhodes, Brooke Rollins, Small Business Administration, Brian Stone, The United States of America, Donald J. Trump, Russell Vought, Chris Wright, Lee Zeldin.(Gheibi, Pardis) (Entered: 06/25/2026)	RECAP
33	June 30, 2026	ORDER granting 31 Defendant's Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 6/30/2026. (bm5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 06/30/2026)	RECAP
34	July 9, 2026	MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 07/09/2026)	RECAP
35	July 9, 2026	REPLY to Response to Motion re 28 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park.(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 07/09/2026)	RECAP
36	July 10, 2026	ORDER GRANTING 34 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 7/10/2026. (hmls, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 07/10/2026)	RECAP
37	July 10, 2026	MOTION for Extension of Time by Bryan Bedford, Todd Blanche, Doug Burgum, Doug Collins, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency, Executive Office of the President, Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, Federal Aviation Administration, Pete Hegseth, Jared Isaacman, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, Kelly Loeffler, Howard W. Lutnick, Markwayne Mullin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Office of Management and Budget, Kevin Rhodes, Brooke Rollins, Small Business Administration, Brian Stone, The United States of America, Donald J. Trump, Russell Vought, Chris Wright, Lee Zeldin (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Gheibi, Pardis) (Entered: 07/10/2026)	RECAP
38	July 15, 2026	ORDER setting a hearing on the motion for preliminary injunction (and Defendants' motion to dismiss, assuming I order the parties to complete briefing on that motion). Following receipt of your July 22 submission(s) I will hold a conference via Zoom to schedule the hearing. That conference will be Friday, July 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET. The Zoom information will be circulated to counsel in advance of that call. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 7/15/2026. (kb3s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 07/15/2026)	RECAP
39	July 20, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Esam Al-Shareffi on behalf of All Defendants (Al-Shareffi, Esam) (Entered: 07/20/2026)	RECAP
40	July 22, 2026	STATUS REPORT Joint by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 07/22/2026)	RECAP
41	July 24, 2026	Status Conference held on 7/24/2026 before Judge Adam B Abelson.(Court Reporter: Nadine Bachmann) (dg4s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 07/24/2026)	RECAP
42	July 27, 2026	ORDER granting in part and reserving in part 37 Defendants' Motion for Extension of Time; deadline for Defendants to answer or respond to the complaint is stayed until the Court rules on Plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 7/27/2026. (bm5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 07/27/2026)	RECAP
43	Aug. 5, 2026	Motion Hearing held on 8/5/2026 re 28 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by National Association of Minority Contractors, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, American Association of University Professors before Judge Adam B Abelson.(FTR- Jill Klein c/r -7D.) (jks, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 08/05/2026)	RECAP
44	Aug. 11, 2026	NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings - Motions Hearing - held on 8/5/2026, before Judge Adam Abelson. Transcriber Paula Leeper, Telephone number (301)344-3229. Total number of pages filed: 61. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained from the Court Reporter or through PACER. Redaction Request due 9/1/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 9/11/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 11/9/2026.(pl, Court Reporter) (Entered: 08/11/2026)	RECAP
45	Aug. 14, 2026	MOTION to Withdraw by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park(Snyder, Ross) (Entered: 08/14/2026)	RECAP
46	Aug. 18, 2026	ORDER granting 45 Plaintiffs Motion to Withdraw the appearance of Ross Snyder as counsel. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 8/18/2026. (bm5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 08/18/2026)	RECAP
47	Oct. 14, 2026	MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 10/14/2026. (bm5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 10/14/2026)	Clearinghouse
48	Oct. 14, 2026	ORDER denying 28 Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction and stay; directing parties to file a joint status report within 14 days of this order. Signed by Judge Adam B Abelson on 10/14/2026. (bm5s, Deputy Clerk) (Entered: 10/14/2026)	RECAP
49	Oct. 28, 2026	NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by American Association of University Professors, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, National Association of Minority Contractors, National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter, United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 10/28/2026)	Clearinghouse

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Maryland

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Accessibility (DEIA) and/or Antisemitism

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 20, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education;, American Association of University Professors; United Academics of Maryland-University of Maryland, College Park; National Association of Minority Contractors; and National Association of Minority Contractors, DMV Chapter

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

Democracy Forward

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

President Donald J. Trump as well as the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Separation of Powers

Other Dockets:

District of Maryland 8:26-cv-01532

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None yet

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief denied

Issues

Discrimination Area:

Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc.)

Content/viewpoint discrimination

Contracting

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/48120/ (last updated 11/1/2026).