Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

Judge Blocks DOJ's Retaliatory Cuts to ABA Grants for Domestic Violence Programs

A federal judge ruled the Trump administration likely violated the First Amendment by canceling $3.2 million in grants after the ABA criticized its policies.

The building with the offices of the American Bar Association (ABA) is seen in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Image
Image

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued a preliminary injunction requiring the DOJ to restore $3.2 million in grants to the American Bar Association (ABA).
  • The judge found the grant cancellations were likely unconstitutional retaliation for the ABA’s protected speech, including its criticism of Trump administration policies.
  • The DOJ terminated the grants one day after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche barred DOJ attorneys from participating in ABA events, citing the ABA’s involvement in a lawsuit against the administration.
  • Judge Cooper determined the DOJ’s justification for the cancellations was pretextual, noting similar grants to other organizations were not affected.
  • The grants, in place since 1995, fund training for lawyers assisting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, with $2 million still owed under the injunction.