Legal Actions

Learn more about the latest legal actions taken in response to attacks on our communities and our democracy.

Rhode Island Latino Arts v. National Endowment for the Arts

Filed on behalf of
Arts-Related Nonprofits
In response to the Trump administration's efforts to
Case Number
1:25-cv-00079
View Docket
View Appellate Docket
Filed
March 6, 2025
U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Relief Outcomes
Sort Outcomes Asc
Preliminary Injunction
Denied
4
Temporary Restraining Order
Denied
1
Summary
Several arts organizations have sued the Trump administration in response to Executive Order 14168, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” Following this EO, these arts organizations lost federal grants as they appeared to be "promoting gender ideology." This lawsuit asserts that the NEA’s “gender ideology” prohibition is unconstitutional under the First and Fifth Amendments.
Plaintiffs
Rhode Island Latino Arts National Queer Theater The Theater Offensive Theater Communications Group
Plaintiffs' Counsel
American Civil Liberties Union ACLU of Rhode Island David Cole
Defendants
National Endowment for the Arts Acting Chair Mary Anne Carter

Documents

Reply in support of summary judgment
Rhode Island Latino Arts v. NEA - Reply in Support of Summary Judgment
June 30, 2025
Operative Complaint
Rhode Island Latino Arts v. NEA - Amended Complaint
May 12, 2025
Reply in support of Preliminary Injunction
Rhode Island Latino Arts v. NEA - Reply in Support of Preliminary Injunction
March 25, 2025
Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Motion for Preliminary Injunction
Rhode Island Latino Arts v. NEA - Motion for TRO and Preliminary Injunction
March 6, 2025