Dear John,

Trump’s recent executive orders attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are wrong-headed, unclear, and chaotic. But most importantly, they’re illegal.

That’s why we, along with Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Crowell & Moring LLP, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, are taking him to court on behalf of Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT).

CWIT is a non-profit organization that seeks to help women across the country enter and remain in high-wage skilled trades—jobs traditionally held by men—including carpentry, electrical work, welding, plumbing, and others. Approximately 70 percent of CWIT’s participants identify as Black and Latina, and as a recipient of federal grant programs, the recent EOs directly threaten not just these programs, but the heart and soul of their mission: equity.

The Trump administration has made attacking economic opportunity its signature policy. From haphazardly firing federal workers to decimating programs that open doors to those who have been historically excluded, this administration has made a boogeyman out of “DEI” to distract us from its lack of vision for an economically prosperous future for all. And we won't let it happen without a fight.

We are proud to represent CWIT to fight this lawless attempt to push women out of good paying jobs and close off pathways to opportunity. This lawsuit argues that the Trump EOs are unconstitutional and create intentional confusion about what types of so-called “DEI” activities might cause organizations to lose their federal funding or contracts. We are asking the court to declare that the sections of the EOs attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion are illegal and cannot be enforced.
Trump’s attacks on DEI are an attack on people of color, women, LGBTQI+ people, people with disabilities, and anyone who doesn’t fit the mold of white male supremacy. We will not let this administration upend civil rights laws and destroy equal opportunities.
Thank you for being in this fight with us and we’ll keep you updated as this lawsuit progresses.
In solidarity,
Gaylynn Burroughs
she/her/hers
Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice
National Women's Law Center
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