Mississippi judge pauses the state’s ban on DEI programs in schools and universities

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs from public schools and universities was temporarily blocked by a federal judge Sunday.

U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate approved the request for a temporary restraining order brought by a group of plaintiffs, including the Mississippi Association of Educators.

The plaintiffs also requested a preliminary injunction, a longer-term order that would prevent the law from being enforced while litigation plays out in court.

The temporary restraining order will stay in place until Wingate rules on the request for preliminary injunction.

In his ruling, Wingate cited instances where the law is already having an impact as part of his reasoning for siding with the plaintiffs.

Faculty members at Jackson State University have been instructed not to discuss gender theory or systemic racism, he wrote.

“Suppressing constitutional speech through vague prohibitions and the specter of financial retribution does not serve the public good — it undermines it,” the ruling reads.

Both parties will argue their case at a hearing about the potential preliminary injunction Wednesday.

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office declined to comment on the pending litigation.

A message seeking comment was left with the ACLU of Mississippi.