Bloomberg Law Law Firm Wins Against Trump & Harvard Threatened
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May 7, 2025 Matthew Diller, a Fordham Law Professor, discusses a judge's ruling that declared President Trump's executive order against Perkins Coie unconstitutional, highlighting threats to judicial independence. Timothy Zick from William & Mary Law analyzes the Third Circuit's decision that teaching Islam does not breach the Establishment Clause, sparking a broader conversation about religious education. Meanwhile, George Yin, Emeritus Professor at UVA, tackles the Trump administration's threats to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, raising concerns over political influence on legal frameworks.
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Perkins Coie Targeted for Politics
- Perkins Coie was targeted for representing Democrats in elections, which provoked prolonged hostility from Trump.
- The administration's executive order aimed to punish the firm for its political legal work.
Order Violated Constitutional Rights
- Judge Howell found the executive order unconstitutional mainly due to First Amendment violations.
- The order also violated due process and was vague, especially regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
National Interest vs. National Security
- The order justified suspending security clearances citing 'national interest,' not national security.
- The judge criticized the lack of individualized security threat assessment for Perkins Coie employees.