Today UAM-UMD filed suit against a recent Trump executive order that aims to stifle lawful forms of diversity, equity, and inclusion among federal contractors like UMD. The suit filed in the US District Court in Maryland stems from its chilling effects on free speech, academic freedom, and freedom of association. In seeking an injunction against this dangerous presidential overreach, we join co-plaintiffs including our parent organization AAUP, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, and national and local organizations representing minority contractors.
President Trump’s order bars federal contractors from undertaking what it calls “racially discriminatory DEI activities” in contracting, program participation, or use of resources. It seeks to cancel lawful forms of membership or participation in “training, mentoring, or leadership development programs; educational opportunities; clubs; associations; or similar opportunities.”
We are proud to stand up for faculty’s freedom to teach, mentor, and research without political interference and for students’ right to learn and assemble. As the suit asserts, students and faculty have the constitutional right to learn about and investigate the history and current reality of racial injustices. They have the right to do so on university property and during work hours. Trump’s executive order is a blatant attempt to prohibit speech the current federal administration does not like. We must and will speak out and invite you to join us.
UAM-UMD President Karin Rosemblatt said, “UAM-UMD is appalled by the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to force its ideological agenda on our nation’s institutions of higher education. UAM-UMD stands with our researchers who make breakthroughs in fields like climate science and public health, and with our instructors who prepare students to be active citizens in a plural society. We cannot allow this flagrantly illegal attack on academic freedom. It will stifle student learning and imperil research projects that are critical to our local communities, our country, and the world.”
Our complaint demonstrates that the Contractors Order is already leading faculty on our campus to avoid sensitive topics in the classroom and to rethink their research. Faculty fear the consequences for UMD and for themselves as UMD employees. Graduate students are already shying away from research on racial injustice and disparities. We cannot allow the Trump administration to censor our teaching, mentoring, association, and research on questions surrounding race and ethnicity.
UAM-UMD is represented in this suit by Democracy Forward, which has represented the AAUP and AAUP chapters at the University of California in a prior suit against the Trump administration.
Read the press release from Democracy Forward.