Trump Orders Schools To Shut Down DEI Programs in 2 Weeks or Lose Government Funding

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Last week, the Trump administration took aggressive steps in trying to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and universities. The Department of Education (DOE) issued a letter last Friday warning institutions that failure to comply within two weeks could result in funding cuts. The directive applies to all federally funded schools and extends beyond admissions to include hiring, scholarships, campus activities, and academic programs. This move intensifies the administration’s broader campaign to remove DEI programs in public and private schools nationwide.

DEI Programs Explained

DEI programs are designed to address historical inequities and promote diversity in schools and workplaces. These initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented groups, diversity training, and inclusive hiring practices. Colleges also offer student organizations, professional societies, and cultural events aimed at fostering diversity. Many of these programs gained traction after the death of George Floyd in 2020 and led to increased corporate and academic investment in racial and social equity efforts.

The DOE’s letter explicitly prohibits any consideration of race in academic and campus life. Schools must shut down DEI offices, cancel race-based scholarships, and eliminate hiring policies that account for diversity factors. Even student-led initiatives such as affinity groups or cultural graduation ceremonies may violate the order. Colleges failing to comply risk losing federal financial aid, grants, and operational funding.

Legal Battles Ahead

Education experts warn that the vague nature of the DOE’s directive could lead to legal battles. Some universities argue their programs comply with federal law, while others have already begun dismantling DEI-related activities to avoid financial repercussions. The Trump administration based its decision on a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions. However, critics argued that this latest order extends far beyond the Court’s decision.

Some institutions are taking preemptive measures to comply with the DOE’s demands. West Point, for example, disbanded 12 student affinity groups, including the National Society of Black Engineers Club. Other colleges have canceled cultural celebrations, removed diversity training from curricula, and scrapped scholarships targeting minority students. Meanwhile, some universities sought legal counsel to determine if race-neutral diversity initiatives can still operate under the new guidance.

Part of Trump’s Broader Agenda Against Wokeness

Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon acknowledged uncertainty over the order’s full impact. During a recent confirmation hearing, she hesitated to answer when asked if African American history courses would be affected. Meanwhile, some university leaders fear that even recruitment strategies aimed at increasing representation could now be classified as unlawful.

Trump’s crackdown on DEI programs aligns with his administration’s broader push against “wokeness” in education and corporate policies. His team has framed DEI initiatives as discriminatory against white and Asian students, arguing that merit should be the sole basis for academic and professional advancement. Critics, including civil rights organizations, warn that dismantling these programs will reverse decades of progress in educational equity and inclusion.

The administration has also cut $600 million in grants for teacher training programs that include critical race theory and social justice activism. Legal scholars predict that lawsuits will emerge as schools challenge the directive’s scope and constitutionality. The DOE’s letter did not clarify whether other race-conscious policies, such as targeted student recruitment, would also be banned.

The Future of Diversity

With only 14 days to comply, schools are scrambling to assess their exposure and decide whether to fight back or comply. Some institutions like Oregon State University insist their programs fully comply with federal laws. Meanwhile, other institutions are waiting for further legal guidance before making changes. The uncertainty surrounding this order leaves administrators in a difficult position—risk losing federal funding or abandoning diversity efforts that shaped academic policies for years.

The coming weeks will determine how aggressively the Trump administration enforces its stance. If schools resist, legal battles could set a precedent for how far the government can go in dismantling diversity programs. Either way, this marks a significant turning point for DEI initiatives in higher education.

Do you agree that eliminating DEI programs will improve the quality of academic institutions? Tell us what you think!

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