Maryland Pushes Back: DEI Protections and Worker Rights in the Trump Era

By Nathan Quinn

3 min read

As changes roll out under the Trump administration, many federal policies around diversity, equity, and civil service protections are being scaled back. But in Maryland, the response looks very different. State leaders are pushing forward - not backward - on issues that matter to workers, especially those tied to inclusion and workplace protections. If you live or work in Maryland, these developments could affect what rights you have on the job and how safe you are speaking up for yourself or others.

Earlier this year, President Trump signed executive orders meant to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies and contractors. These federal actions immediately triggered legal challenges. One of those lawsuits, filed right here in Maryland, resulted in a federal court blocking several of the proposed restrictions. The state of Maryland did not sit on the sidelines. It joined the legal fight by submitting formal briefs opposing the federal rollback, arguing that these changes could hurt Maryland workers and employers who value equity.

But Maryland didn’t stop there. State lawmakers passed a resolution affirming their commitment to DEI, and Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order requiring DEI training for state procurement officers. These moves make it clear that Maryland is not simply reacting - it’s actively building a different future for its workforce. For Maryland-based employees at state agencies or working under government contracts, this means existing DEI programs remain intact and legally supported, even if federal backing fades.

Governor’s action: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-signs-executive-order-to-modernize-and-strengthen-equitable-access-to-state-procurement-system.aspx

Alongside DEI, Maryland is also taking steps to shield its workers from broader federal job cuts. As the Trump administration began reducing the federal workforce, many employees - especially newer hires or those on probation - were laid off without much warning. In response, Maryland joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging those mass terminations. State officials argued that these firings violated key labor laws and caused real economic harm to local communities. Thousands of federal employees in Maryland have been affected.

Federal labor law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Service_Reform_Act_of_1978

Maryland isn’t just defending what already exists - it’s also expanding rights for public employees. Thanks to recent legislation, thousands of state supervisors and public library workers now have collective bargaining rights. That means they can join unions, negotiate for better pay or working conditions, and advocate for themselves with more legal backing. These new protections go beyond what many federal laws offer, marking Maryland as a national leader in supporting organized labor.

At a time when many federal policies are moving in the opposite direction, Maryland is drawing a line in the sand. The message is simple: worker rights, diversity, and inclusion still matter here. Whether you're a public employee, a federal worker based in Maryland, or someone working under a government contract, these state-level actions are designed to protect your job, your dignity, and your voice.

If you're unsure how these changes apply to you - or if you've been affected by recent layoffs or workplace policy shifts - talk to someone who understands the legal landscape. We’re here to help.

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