A recent ruling by a federal judge in Rhode Island has significant implications for the arts and free speech, declaring that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) cannot apply the Trump administration’s controversial “gender ideology” ban during its grant review process. This decision solidifies protections under the First Amendment and highlights ongoing challenges in the intersection of art, funding, and ideological conformity.
U.S. District Judge William Smith issued his ruling on September 19, ordering the NEA to cease its evaluation of whether applicants “promote gender ideology,” a term derived from an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that denied the recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities. In his judgment, Judge Smith emphasized that using such criteria imposes a “viewpoint-based restriction on private speech,” which he found to be “presumptively unconstitutional.” Furthermore, the ruling indicated that incorporating these criteria overstepped congressional authority as defined under the Administrative Procedure Act.
The NEA has the option to appeal this decision, but has yet to make any public statements regarding its intentions following the court’s ruling. A request for comment from the agency remains unanswered.
The case arose from a First Amendment challenge initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its Rhode Island chapter in March. They represented four potential NEA applicants advocating for projects supportive of transgender and LGBTQ+ communities. Following a directive by Trump mandating federal agencies to revise their funding policies, the NEA updated its procedures to require applicants to certify they would not use funding to “promote gender ideology.”
Though the NEA voluntarily dropped the restrictive certification requirement in March, it continued to use the controversial criteria while evaluating grant applications.
ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Vera Eidelman, involved in litigating free speech cases for the organization, expressed that the ruling was a “resounding victory.” She remarked, “Given the efforts by the previous administration to enforce ideological conformity through government funding, orders like this serve as crucial reminders that the government cannot compel individuals or organizations to express only approved views.” Eidelman also noted that she is not aware of any other direct legal challenges against the NEA regarding these Trump-era policies.
Among the plaintiffs, Rhode Island Latino Arts (RILA) is a notable organization that had previously received over $70,000 in NEA funding. The organization’s leadership had intended to apply for a grant to support a production of Faust, considering a diverse cast, including nonbinary actors. RILA Executive Director Marta V. Martínez conveyed her commitment to inclusivity, affirming that any grants received would uphold individual identities.
RILA faced challenges when its Challenge America grant was revoked, as private funding remained difficult to secure. In a move that caused alarm, the NEA canceled its Challenge America program—earmarked to assist “underserved communities”—earlier this year, notifying project recipients that their initiatives did not align with the former administration’s priorities.
Rose Oser, the producing director for the National Queer Theater, which joined the lawsuit, welcomed the court’s ruling. The organization had applied for an NEA grant for its Criminal Queerness Festival—an event showcasing playwrights from regions where LGBTQ+ individuals confront discrimination and censorship. In a setback earlier this year, its $20,000 grant was rescinded; however, private fundraising efforts were successful.
Oser remarked on the absurdity of the NEA’s previous stance, stating, “It’s ridiculous to suggest that grantees must conform to a specific belief about gender to receive federal funding.” She noted that grant decisions for fiscal year 2026 are expected to be announced in November, which will provide a further test of the NEA’s adherence to the ruling’s stipulations.
Previously, the court denied National Queer Theater’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have provided immediate relief from the “gender ideology” stipulation. Lynette Labinger, a cooperating attorney with the ACLU, emphasized the importance of vigilance and the need to challenge policies that conflict with congressional law.
As the dust settles from this pivotal ruling, Martínez expressed cautious optimism and reiterated the importance of the decision for her community. “Many people have remarked that this small victory in Rhode Island has brought joy amidst a turbulent climate. Our efforts should be seen as a beacon of hope—a light rather than just a flame,” she added.
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