Background
In February 2025, the Chicago-based nonprofit Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) filed a new lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders that severely restrict and chill Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Approximately 70 percent of CWIT’s participants identify as Black and Latina women. As a recipient of federal grant programs, the recent executive orders directly threaten to eliminate CWIT’s ability to continue its critical role in expanding economic opportunity and mobility for women,
CWIT is represented by a team of civil rights lawyers from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and pro-bono counsel Crowell & Moring LLP, along with the National Women’s Law Center, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights.
Chicago Women in Trades Amicus Support
Recently, 17 state attorneys general—led by Illinois, California, and Massachusetts—filed an amicus brief in the Seventh Circuit opposing Trump’s restrictions on DEI initiatives. The brief supports Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT), represented by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and partners, in its case challenging the administration’s requirement that federal grantees certify they do not operate any “illegal” DEI programs, while refusing to provide any insight into what conduct is prohibited.
The brief underscores that such restrictions are unlawful and violate the First Amendment rights of organizations committed to equity and inclusion. Download
PRESS STATEMENTS
