How California Schools, Colleges Are Responding to Trump’s DEI Crackdown
Tensions on Campus
Many in leadership positions are "hunkering down, saying, ‘Let’s not be the first target,’" said Ariela Gross, a professor at UCLA who focuses on race and law. The US Department of Education’s letter is an "extremely broad and deeply incorrect interpretation of what discrimination and anti-discrimination mean." Still, it is causing confusion and concern.
On her campus, programming around race abounds. The university advertises more than a dozen scholarships focused on minority groups, many sponsored by outside benefactors. Undergraduate dorms have "living learning communities" where Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian American students can apply for housing or visit to study or attend events – open to all races. Each spring, optional "Afro Grad" and "Latinx Graduation" ceremonies take place on the Westwood campus. They are also open to all.
Conservative Views
The Trump administration’s move has been hailed by state education leaders in Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana and other conservative-led states – as well as conservative-led California school systems. In a statement, Megan Degenfelder, superintendent of public instruction for the Wyoming Department of Education, praised the move "to eliminate discrimination." "Universities, colleges, and K-12 schools have used discriminatory practices throughout their operations – from hiring and training employees, to admissions and scholarships, and even in human resources and classroom instruction," she said.
Legal Questions
The Department of Education letter explained its view on what counts as discrimination by citing a 2023 Supreme Court case that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions. But some scholars say the reading goes too far. "It’s far more sweeping than anything in the Supreme Court case, which was only about admissions. But this letter applies it broadly to all levels of education and all aspects of campus life," said Gross, the UCLA law professor. The department, she said, "appears to directly contradict" the court case, in which Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said "students could talk about their experiences of being human beings with racial identities as part of their essays. One can’t possibly outlaw people reflecting on their own experiences."
Conclusion
The response to the Trump administration’s anti-DEI crackdown has left many educators and students feeling uncertain and concerned. While some see the move as a necessary step to eliminate discrimination, others believe it will undermine progress made in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the future of DEI initiatives in California schools and colleges hangs in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Trump administration’s anti-DEI initiative?
A: The initiative aims to eliminate race-based programs and activities in K-12 schools and higher education institutions, citing a 2023 Supreme Court case that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions.
Q: What is the U.S. Department of Education’s position on DEI initiatives?
A: The department has issued a letter stating that DEI initiatives are illegal and that institutions must end all race-based programs and activities or risk losing federal funding.
Q: How are California schools and colleges responding to the anti-DEI initiative?
A: Many are defending their DEI initiatives and saying they will continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, some are reevaluating their programs and activities to ensure compliance with federal law.
Q: What is the legal basis for the anti-DEI initiative?
A: The initiative is based on a 2023 Supreme Court case that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions. However, some scholars argue that the reading of the case is too broad and goes beyond the original intent of the court.
