Seattle Judge Blocks Health Department From Rejecting Head Start Grants With DEI Terms

A federal judge has ordered the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to cease requiring grant applications to exclude DEI-related terms, including "pregnant people." The judge also blocked further firings of Office of Head Start employees and the closure of regional offices. The lawsuit was filed by the ACLU in response to HHS policies enacted after a 2025 executive order banning DEI and "gender ideology." HHS had required grant applicants to certify they would not advance DEI or discriminatory ideologies. Applications were returned with instructions to remove terms such as "pregnant people," "chestfeeding," and "diversity." A Head Start center was instructed to remove eligibility criteria prioritizing children from Indian families. The Washington State Association of Head Start expressed confusion about enrollment criteria following HHS guidance. HHS claimed the challenge was moot, arguing the certification requirement had been withdrawn. The judge ruled against HHS, ensuring Head Start providers can serve diverse communities without fear of punishment.