A U.S. federal appeals court has lifted a block on the Trump administration’s stringent measures regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. This ruling pauses a previous decision that had halted the enforcement of several presidential executive orders aimed at discontinuing support for DEI initiatives.

The Fourth Circuit of Appeals, based in Richmond, Virginia, assessed the executive orders issued by President Donald Trump and determined they were likely constitutional. This judgment contradicts a ruling from February by a federal judge in Maryland.

The judges are permitting the Trump administration to proceed with the enforcement of these policies while they review the constitutionality of the orders.

U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore had imposed a nationwide block on the implementation of Trump’s executive order. This came following a lawsuit led by the city of Baltimore and various advocacy groups, who argued that the executive orders not only terminate DEI programs but also infringe upon constitutionally protected free speech.

In defense of the orders, the Trump administration asserts that they do not aim to suppress any speech; rather, they focus on eliminating unlawful discrimination.

Beyond directing federal agencies to discontinue diversity programs, the executive orders also barred federal contractors from engaging in such initiatives. Additionally, Trump mandated the Justice Department and other agencies to identify businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate unlawful discrimination through their DEI policies.