Politics

Appeals court vacates block on parts of Mississippi DEI ban

The ruling lifts a block on sections restricting diversity training and DEI programs in public schools.

Updated Oct 24, 2026 · 06:24 UTC3 reports

The short version

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a lower court ruling that had blocked sections of Mississippi's DEI ban from being enforced.[ABC News · Associated Press]
The sections in question bar public schools from requiring diversity training and maintaining DEI-related programs, courses, and offices.[ABC News · Associated Press]
According to the Thursday ruling, the Fifth Circuit also ordered the case reassigned to a different district judge, citing a temporary restraining order that contained AI hallucinations.[ABC News · Associated Press]
According to plaintiffs' attorney McKenna Raney, the law takes effect seven days after the petition deadline passes or if a petition is denied.[ABC News · Associated Press]

The Fifth Circuit vacated a lower court ruling that had blocked enforcement of sections of Mississippi's DEI ban in public schools.[ABC News · Associated Press]
The sections at issue prevent public schools from requiring diversity training and maintaining DEI-related programs, courses, and offices.[ABC News · Associated Press]
The Fifth Circuit ordered the case reassigned to a different district judge, citing a temporary restraining order that contained artificial intelligence hallucinations.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Plaintiffs' attorney McKenna Raney said the law takes effect seven days after the petition deadline passes or if a petition is denied.[ABC News · Associated Press]

It is unresolved whether plaintiffs will file a rehearing petition, which would determine the timing of the law's effect.[ABC News · Associated Press]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.