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GLOSSARY

The definitions in our glossary are primarily sourced from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary and Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute. We have made slight modifications where needed for brevity and to better tailor the definitions to the specific needs of users of this website. For more detailed explanations of the terms, users are encouraged to review the definitions on these websites or conduct their own independent research.

A written request made after a trial court’s final ruling, asking another court to review the trial court's decisions. Appellate courts typically decide whether a legal mistake was made and whether the mistake changed the outcome of the case.

An out-of-court procedure for resolving disputes in which one or more people, “arbitrator(s),” hear evidence and make a decision. It's like a trial in some ways, but typically proceeds more quickly and with less formality.

A lawsuit in which a large number of people with similar legal claims join together (the class) to sue. In this context, it likely refers to cases in which a group of people claim they have suffered discrimination at the hands of an organization.

A document filed in court that starts a lawsuit. In some states and in some types of legal actions, the complaint is called a petition.

The person or entity against whom a civil case is filed.

A court order requiring a person to do or stop doing a specific action.

Harm done to a person or organization by the acts or omissions of another. Injury may be physical or may involve damage to reputation, loss of a legal right, or breach of a contract.

An appeal that occurs before the trial court's final ruling on an entire case.

Any party to a lawsuit. This might include a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, cross-complainant, or cross-defendant, but not a witness or attorney.

The process of bringing and pursuing (litigating) a lawsuit.

A formal request, either written or oral, that a judge enter a particular order or ruling in a lawsuit.

A motion asking the judge to throw out one or more claims or an entire lawsuit.

These phrases refer to a case whose decision rests upon the law as it applied to the particular evidence and facts presented. This is in opposition to cases whose decisions rest upon procedural grounds (e.g. not filing a timely complaint).

The person, corporation, or other legal entity that initiates a lawsuit seeking damages, enforcement of a contract, or a court determination of rights. In certain states and for some types of lawsuits, the term petitioner is used instead.

Any legal document filed in a lawsuit, including the complaint, answer, and motion(s). The pleading stage gives notice to both parties of the intention of the opposing party regarding the lawsuit.

An opinion of a federal or state court of appeals establishing a legal principle or rule that must be followed by lower courts when faced with similar legal issues.

A court order early in a lawsuit that prohibits the parties from taking a disputed action until the court can decide the merits of the case.

A document that public companies must provide their shareholders prior to a shareholder meeting. The document summarizes proposals submitted to shareholders for a vote.

Punishment of an employee by an employer for engaging in legally protected activity like making a complaint of harassment or participating in workplace investigations. It can include any negative job action, such as demotion, discipline, or firing.

A person's right to sue and have a court rule on their claims. To invoke a federal court's jurisdiction and have the court exercise its remedial powers on their behalf, a person must have standing.

A final decision by a judge, upon a party's motion, that resolves a lawsuit before there is a trial.

The Advancing DEI Initiative is a project of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, committed to making information on the intersection of law and DEI accessible to supporters of DEI.

This website offers resources, including a DEI litigation tracker, to orient users to the DEI legal landscape. The tracker captures lawsuits likely to affect workplace DEI practices.

About the initiativearrow_circle_right

What types of cases are occurring?

This diagram captures the flow of anti-DEI cases arising in each geographic region of the United States, organized by circuit. Each case is categorized based on the DEI program challenged or the issues raised in the case. Since there may be multiple issues raised, some cases are categorized under multiple topics.

Hover over a circuit to see the types of cases occurring in that circuit. The weight of the lines indicates the number of cases in that category relative to other cases in that circuit. Alternatively, hover over a type of case to see which circuits are litigating that topic. The weight of the lines indicates the number of cases in that circuit that address this topic relative to other circuits.

All DEI Litigationarrow_circle_right

Where are the cases occurring?

Recognizing that each circuit may address specific DEI issues differently, this map enables users to observe the types of cases arising within a particular region.

Use the map to highlight a circuit of interest in order to view what types of DEI cases are being litigated in that region.

What are the cases about?

The section allows users to view the nationwide count of cases, focusing on the types of DEI initiatives being challenged or the issues raised by opponents of DEI.

LEARN ABOUT OUR METHODOLOGYarrow_circle_right

3 casesDirectors' duties

8 casesDiversity targets

7 casesDiversity training

13 casesFreedom of speech and religion

22 casesGovernment programs

5 casesSchool and university admissions

37 casesTargeted programs

24 casesWorkplace discrimination