The American Bar Association (ABA) has decided to temporarily suspend its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards for law schools. This decision comes as the Trump administration actively works to eliminate DEI programs and initiatives across the federal government.

The ABA's Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar Council voted to pause its DEI standard, known as Rule 206, until August 31st. This pause allows for a review of a proposed revision to the rule. The vote occurred during the council’s quarterly meeting in San Antonio.

The council's standards committee explained that it will evaluate the proposed changes in light of recent actions taken by the Trump administration. This evaluation aims to ensure the standard can be enforced in accordance with the law.

President Trump's executive actions aim to remove DEI programs from the federal government. He has also threatened to cut federal funding for academic institutions and universities that maintain these programs. Further executive orders have targeted DEI within both the federal government and the private sector.

Daniel Thies, chair-elect of the council and co-chair of its Strategic Review Committee, stated that suspending the standard was a necessary step. According to Thies, the ongoing changes in executive orders and related laws create a challenging environment for law schools. Adhering to the current standard could expose them to increased litigation risks and potential legal violations.

The ABA council’s managing director’s office plans to visit law schools this spring to provide written guidance on the matter.

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the ABA's decision, calling it a "victory for common sense." She celebrated the suspension of Rule 206 and the potential return of meritocracy to the legal system.

The Trump administration's efforts to dismantle DEI programs stem from the belief that such initiatives have lowered standards and promoted a "woke" agenda. Early in his current term, President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate DEI offices and initiatives across the federal workforce. Subsequent orders banned "radical gender ideology" and DEI programs from all branches of the U.S. military.

A federal judge recently issued a preliminary injunction against portions of the Trump administration's executive orders on DEI. The judge ruled that certain sections likely violate the Constitution and free speech rights. This injunction primarily blocks the sections aimed at ending federal funding for DEI-related programs. It also prevents the administration from canceling contracts deemed to promote diversity, equity, or inclusion.