The decision from a three-judge panel allows the orders to be enforced as a lawsuit challenging them plays out.

The lawsuit was brought by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and the city of Baltimore. They argue that the anti-DEI policy violates their freedom of speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

A federal appeals court will allow the Trump administration to implement directives from the president cracking down on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, as an appeal of a ruling pausing those orders plays out.