The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted the coalition's motion for a preliminary injunction on April 3, exempting state colleges and universities from the new data demand while the case proceeds.
James characterized the mandate as part of the current administration's broader effort targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. "This administration's crusade against DEI is dangerous," James stated. "Students should not have to live in fear that their personal data will be handed over to the federal government, just as schools should not have to scramble to produce years of sensitive information to satisfy an arbitrary and unlawful demand."
Last month, the coalition of attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging what they called a "sweeping new federal data collection mandate targeting colleges and universities."
The preliminary injunction provides temporary relief while the underlying legal challenge moves forward. "I am grateful the court acted swiftly to protect our public institutions while our case moves forward, and we will continue fighting to block this mandate for good," James said.