Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Mississippi DEI Ban

A federal judge in Mississippi has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of House Bill 1193, a state law banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools and universities. U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate ruled that the law, which prohibits DEI offices, trainings, and discussions of certain "divisive concepts," is vague and suppresses constitutional free speech protections under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU of Mississippi and the Mississippi Center for Justice, argue the law imposes government-preferred views and chills protected speech by restricting discussions on systemic racism, gender theory, and other topics. The judge cited evidence of a chilling effect on academic freedom and ongoing constitutional harm, justifying the injunction to preserve the status quo while further hearings are scheduled. The state has objected to the temporary order and may appeal, but the next preliminary injunction hearing has been postponed to August 5. The case highlights tensions over DEI initiatives in education and constitutional rights related to free expression and equal protection.