Judge Invalidated Federal Grant Restrictions
A federal court blocked Department of Justice grant conditions that targeted diversity and immigrant-focused programs.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Live Poll
Should the federal government be allowed to set policy restrictions on grant funding for victim services?
U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose issued a summary judgment invalidating federal grant conditions imposed by the Department of Justice. The ruling resolves a lawsuit brought by domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions challenging restrictions on grant recipients.
Why it matters
The lawsuit challenged DOJ requirements that restricted aid to noncitizen survivors and targeted grantees implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The court's decision effectively protects funding access for organizations serving these specific demographics.
The U.S. District Court issued a summary judgment in Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, et al. v. Blanche. This final order follows a preliminary injunction that initially blocked the DOJ's grant restrictions in August 2025.
The players
Melissa R. DuBose
She is the U.S. District Court Judge who presided over the case and issued the summary judgment.
Department of Justice
This is the federal executive department responsible for the grant programs administered by the Office on Violence Against Women and the Office of Justice Programs.
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence
This organization served as a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against the federal government.
The details
The court invalidated federal grant conditions that had targeted organizations implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These conditions also previously restricted service access for noncitizen survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence who could not immediately prove citizenship.
Timeline
June 2025: Coalitions and providers filed the initial lawsuit.
August 2025: The court first issued an order blocking the grant restrictions.
September 29, 2026: The court issued the final summary judgment order.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of legal challenges questioning the scope of executive authority in imposing administrative conditions on federal funding. The ruling effectively places a check on the Department of Justice's ability to enforce ideological requirements through grant eligibility.
The ruling ensures that organizations serving vulnerable populations, including noncitizen survivors, can maintain federal funding without adhering to the invalidated diversity or citizenship-proof requirements. Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault can continue to seek support from these providers without interruption.
The takeaway
This decision clarifies the legal boundaries of federal agency oversight concerning grant programs. It protects service providers from having to navigate potentially restrictive administrative mandates that complicate support for survivors.
Further reading
For more on legal developments in the field, explore the Sex Crimes section.
Live Poll
Should the federal government be allowed to set policy restrictions on grant funding for victim services?
