A grant program for businesses run by Black women was temporarily blocked by a federal appeals court in a case epitomizing the escalating battle over corporate diversity policies.

The 2-1 decision by the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily prevents the Fearless Fund from running the Strivers Grant Contest, which awards $20,000 to businesses that are at least 51% owned by Black women, among other requirements.

Edward Blum, director of the Project on Fair Representation. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM Edward Blum, director of the Project on Fair Representation. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM