Court rulings have emerged as a significant obstacle to President Trump’s education agenda, slowing or blocking several high-profile initiatives targeting schools, universities and federal education policy.
Trump’s efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, restrict what his administration calls “gender ideology” in classrooms, and pressure elite universities such as Harvard University have repeatedly faced legal setbacks.
Administration officials have criticized judges who ruled against them, accusing the courts of overreach, while opponents argue the policies violate long-standing civil rights and administrative law.
Advocacy groups and educators say litigation has become a key tool in resisting the administration’s moves. Maddy Gitomer, senior counsel at Democracy Forward, said more teachers, students and institutions are increasingly willing to challenge federal actions in court, adding that recent wins have encouraged broader participation in legal challenges.
Despite those losses, the administration has secured some victories, including steps toward downsizing the Department of Education.
Education Department spokesperson Savannah Newhouse said the administration is responding to parents’ demands to remove politics from classrooms and focus funding on student achievement, arguing that lawsuits seek to preserve a system that has failed students.
Legal battles have spanned multiple issues, including immigration enforcement near school property, transgender athlete participation under Title IX, and federal funding freezes. Minnesota educators recently sued after immigration agents operated near schools, while Harvard successfully restored millions in federal research funding after a court challenge. A judge also blocked efforts to freeze Harvard’s funds and restrict international student enrollment.
At the same time, some universities have avoided court by striking deals with the administration. Others, including Texas A&M, have made policy changes that later triggered lawsuits alleging violations of academic freedom and free speech.
Education unions say the courts remain a critical check. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said the administration’s actions have ignored Congress and established law, prompting continued legal resistance.
