Press Release  AG Campbell Supports Challenge To Executive Orders Unlawfully Targeting Transgender Individuals And Diversity, Equity, Inclusion And Accessibility Initiatives

BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, as part of a coalition of 18 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to President Trump’s Executive Orders targeting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives and programs that support transgender individuals. 

“Organizations that provide life-saving services to our transgender residents and initiatives centered around diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility play vital roles in our communities. Attacking this work is not only unlawful, but it also harms our state, communities, and residents,” said AG Campbell. “The President does not have the authority to arbitrarily and categorically shut down lawful programs simply because he dislikes them.”    

AG Campbell and the coalition filed their brief in San Francisco AIDS Foundation v. Trump before the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. At issue on appeal are several provisions in the Executive Orders that direct agencies to terminate federal funding for “equity-related” grants and grants that promote “gender ideology.” The plaintiffs in the case argue that these funding provisions impose illegal burdens on organizations that provide critical services to LGBTQ communities – many specifically supporting transgender individuals.  

In their brief, the attorneys general maintain that diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility programs are lawful, beneficial and ensure compliance with federal civil rights statutes. The coalition also explains how the challenged provisions in the Executive Orders harm their states, residents and businesses by denying them the many valuable benefits associated with workplaces, schools and communities that have adopted practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. 

Additionally, the attorneys general explain that the funding provisions related to “gender ideology” unlawfully terminate grants and other awards that support critical services and lifesaving health care for transgender individuals. Not only does this discriminatory directive harm the organizations that rely on this funding, but it also harms the health and well-being of residents who rely on these services. 

A lower court granted the plaintiffs a preliminary injunction, but the Administration appealed. AG Campbell and the attorneys general are urging the appeals court to uphold the injunction. 

This brief is AG Campbell’s latest effort to protect transgender individuals and DEI initiatives. Last month, AG Campbell sued the Trump Administration over its unlawful effort to pull funding for longstanding teen reproductive and sexual health education programs unless states remove language affirming young people’s gender identity. Also in September, AG Campbell co-led a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to two of President Trump’s Executive Orders targeting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives.   

Joining AG Campbell in filing the brief, which she co-led with the attorneys general of Illinois and California, are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.  

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