‘Illegal’ DEI Remains Undefined at Hearing Over Emergency Funds

A Chicago federal judge Monday pressed a US Department of Justice attorney to define what exactly the Trump administration means by “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion—and for at least the second time this year, the government provided no clear answer.

Hypothetically, Judge Manish Shah asked, would it violate an executive order if a city’s HR manual says you can’t fire someone for being transgender? What about a state whose prison system provides gender identity-related care?

DOJ attorney Patrick Johnson said “the only clarity required” is that cities “can’t operate programs that are illegal DEI” if they want certain federal grants. ...