Federal Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV has blocked the Trump administration from demanding detailed student admissions data from public colleges in 17 states that are suing over the policy. The ruling, issued Friday, extends an earlier temporary restraining order that had nationwide effect, now limiting enforcement to those specific states.

The policy, ordered by President Trump in August, aimed to ensure colleges weren't using race in admissions after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling effectively ended race-conscious affirmative action. The coalition of Democratic state attorneys general argued the demand was a rushed attempt to politicize the National Center for Education Statistics and could jeopardize data accuracy. 'This administration’s crusade against D. E.

I. is dangerous,' said New York AG Letitia James. The Department of Education did not immediately respond to requests for comment.