As we previously reported, on March 3, 2025, the Maryland District Court denied Defendants’ motion to stay the preliminary injunction in National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Trump, preventing the federal government from enforcing several DEI-related clauses in its recent Executive Orders. The court held that the Government had not

Keisha-Ann Gray
Keisha-Ann G. Gray is a distinguished litigator and trial lawyer who has secured significant victories in federal and state courts (jury trial and otherwise) for organizations facing “bet the company”, high-reaching, reputational risk claims. An award-winning partner in Proskauer’s renowned Labor & Employment department and co-chair of the Firm’s Workplace Investigations practice group, she advises clients on high-stakes employment litigation and complex investigations matters. As important social change movements like Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and LGBTQ Pride continue to shape society and businesses, Keisha-Ann is the go-to advisor when addressing issues related to discrimination, harassment and/or lack of diversity.
With 20+ years in practice, Keisha-Ann frequently speaks and trains on employment matters such as litigation and trial practice, conducting effective investigations (the trauma-based approach), Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Anti-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment. Her “real talk” style of delivery provides clients with actionable and practical best practice solutions to today’s most challenging workplace issues.
Prior to joining Proskauer, Keisha-Ann served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York and federal law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The breadth of Keisha-Ann’s experience and background in federal government, coupled with her tenure in private practice as a Big Law partner and employment litigator, gives her the unique ability to meaningfully connect with diverse groups of people. This skill enables her to advocate effectively and successfully (in and out of the courtroom) for her clients. As a result, Keisha-Ann is also frequently called upon to conduct high-profile internal investigations. Because of her unique and varied skill set, clients routinely engage Keisha-Ann to handle their most sensitive matters which, due to her involvement, often successfully result in non-public, confidential resolutions – precisely the mandate required by her clients.
Keisha-Ann enjoys giving back to the community and profession by serving as a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. She also serves on the Board of the Attorney Grievance Committee for the NY Supreme Court Appellate Division, 1st Department, the Board of the Federal Bar Council, and the Board of the Eastern District Association. In addition, Keisha-Ann co-Chairs the Federal Bar Council’s Employment Litigation Committee, and mentors junior attorneys.
Federal Court Issues Partial Preliminary Injunction Halting Enforcement of DEI-Related EOs
Last Updated: 3/5/2025
On February 21, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a preliminary injunction pausing enforcement of several provisions of President Trump’s DEI-related executive orders on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing (“EO 14151”) and Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (“EO 14173”).
Notably, the…
EEOC, Like NLRB, Lacks Quorum, Stalling Rulemaking Under New Administration
On Monday, January 27, 2025, President Trump removed Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC” or the “Commission”) commissioners Charlotte A. Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels, the two confirmed in separate statements. The move, which may face legal challenges, marks the first time that a president has removed an EEOC commissioner without cause prior to the expiration…
President Trump Issues Sweeping Executive Orders Aimed at DEI
In his inaugural address on Monday, January 20, 2025, President Trump declared, “We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based.” In the days that followed, President Trump has proceeded to issue a series of executive orders in quick succession, many of which specifically seek to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives in…