The Trump administration is giving schools and universities in America two weeks to eliminate their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Failure to comply could result in the loss of federal funding.
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This move raises the stakes in the president’s battle against what he refers to as “wokeness,” leaving schools in a state of confusion as they work to meet the requirements.
In a memo, the Education Department gave an ultimatum to stop using “racial preferences” as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other areas. Schools are being given 14 days to end any practice that treats students or workers differently because of their race.
Educators at colleges across the country are urgently assessing their risks and determining whether to uphold practices they believe are legal. This widespread demand could disrupt various aspects of campus operations, including college application essays, classroom lessons, and campus clubs.
It’s meant to correct what the memo described as rampant discrimination in education, often against white and Asian students.
“Schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race,” said Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights. “No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment, and character.”
The guidance drew sharp backlash from civil rights groups and university groups. Some believe its vague language is meant to have a chilling effect, pressuring schools to eliminate anything touching on the topic of race even if it may be defensible in court.
“Creating a sense of risk around doing work that might promote diverse and welcoming campuses is much more of the goal than a clear statement of existing law,” said Jonathan Fansmith, senior vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education, an association of college presidents.
The memo is an extension of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
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