An appeals court blocks an order to fire 19 career intelligence officers assigned to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The 19 officers are temporarily assigned to DEI-related roles. The court’s decision prevents their dismissal while legal challenges proceed. The officers are part of a broader group of 58 CIA and ODNI employees who are placed on paid administrative leave due to their involvement with DEI programs. Those 58 employees remain on leave, the reporting says. The Independent describes the 19 individuals as career employees who are temporarily in DEI assignments, rather than being fully reassigned or terminated already. Investing.com similarly frames the case as an appeals court action that stops the firing order. The reports do not indicate that the court rules on the underlying legality of the DEI-related personnel actions, only that it blocks the immediate terminations of the 19 officers. The situation remains tied to ongoing proceedings relating to the administration’s directive.