Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement of Mississippi’s Anti-DEI Law Indefinitely..

 Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement of Mississippi’s Anti-DEI Law Indefinitely...

Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement of Mississippi’s Anti-DEI Law Indefinitely

A federal judge in Mississippi has delivered a major blow to the state’s newly enacted anti-DEI law by issuing an indefinite injunction that halts its enforcement until a final ruling is reached AP NewsMagnolia Tribune.

Key developments:

• U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate blocked core provisions of the law that banned discussions of “divisive concepts” and prohibited DEI programs, training, and offices in public schools AP News.

• The injunction does not affect sections of the law concerning bans on preferential treatment based on race or sex AP News.

• A lawsuit, backed by teachers, students, parents, and the ACLU of Mississippi, argues these provisions violate First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by being vague and restricting academic freedom AP News.

• Judge Wingate agreed, noting the law’s vague language and its chilling effect on speech and education AP News.

• The ruling also expands the lawsuit into a class-action, extending protection to educators and students statewide AP News.

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Why It Matters

This injunction provides a critical pause on the enforcement of a law that many view as suppressive of free expression and open dialogue in schools. As this legal battle continues, the outcome will set a significant precedent with implications not just for Mississippi, but potentially for other states considering similar anti-DEI legislation.

Federal Judge Blocks Mississippi’s Anti-DEI Law with Indefinite Injunction

JACKSON, Miss. – A federal judge has indefinitely blocked Mississippi’s new anti-DEI law, halting enforcement until a final ruling is issued.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate granted a preliminary injunction against House Bill 1193, legislation passed earlier this year that restricts the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in public schools and universities.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed in June by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Mississippi and the Mississippi Center for Justice, who argued the law violates constitutional rights.

What HB 1193 Would Do

Lawmakers designed the measure to prohibit public K-12 schools and higher education institutions from considering race, gender, or sexual orientation when making decisions about hiring, student engagement, or academic opportunities. Supporters said the law ensures decisions are based only on merit and qualifications.

However, Section 3(f) of the bill went further, banning schools from maintaining programs or offices that promote DEI or what lawmakers labeled “divisive concepts.” These include:

• Transgender ideology

• Gender-neutral pronouns

• Gender theory and deconstruction of heteronormativity

• Sexual privilege and similar concepts

Universities Already Affected

Before the injunction, at least three public institutions — Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and Hinds Community College — had already shut down DEI programming to comply with the law.

Judge Wingate’s Ruling

In his order, Judge Wingate stated that HB 1193 is “at odds with the First Amendment” and enforcing it would cause “irreparable injury” to students and faculty.

“This Court hereby grants the challengers’ request for a preliminary injunction,” Wingate wrote, effectively blocking the law statewide until the case is resolved.

Civil Rights Response

The ACLU welcomed the decision, arguing that governments cannot impose one-sided viewpoints in education.

“It should not be able to censor opposing viewpoints,” said Joshua Tom, Legal Director for the ACLU of Mississippi. “That is exactly why we filed this case — to stop Mississippi from enforcing an unconstitutional law.”