The Trump Administration Gives Schools a Deadline to End DEI Programs or Risk Losing Federal Money

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is giving America’s schools and universities two weeks to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal money, raising the stakes in the president’s fight against “wokeness” and sowing confusion as schools scramble to comply.

The Ultimatum

In a memo Friday, 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.

Risks and Consequences

Educators at colleges nationwide are rushing to evaluate their risk and decide whether to stand up for practices they believe are legal. The sweeping demand threatens to upend all aspects of campus operations, from questions on college applications to classroom lessons and campus clubs.

Reaction from Civil Rights Groups and University Leaders

The guidance drew sharp backlash from civil rights groups and university leaders. 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.

Uncertainty and Confusion

The memo is an extension of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. It essentially reflects a change in the federal government’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws. As legal justification, it cites the 2023 Supreme Court decision barring race as a factor in college admissions. Although the ruling applied only to admissions, the memo says it “applies more broadly.”

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Consequences for Higher Education

The memo seeks to remove race from areas including financial aid, housing, graduation ceremonies, hiring, and promotion. It also takes aim directly at college admissions, suggesting colleges have sought to work around the Supreme Court’s decision.

College Applications and Admissions

Using non-racial information “as a proxy for race” will now be viewed as a violation of federal law, the memo said. As an example, it said it’s unlawful for colleges to eliminate standardized testing requirements “to achieve a desired racial balance or to increase racial diversity.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the deadline for schools to comply with the new guidance?
A: 14 days from the release of the memo

Q: What are the consequences for non-compliance?
A: Schools risk losing federal funding

Q: How will this affect college admissions?
A: The memo suggests colleges will need to reconsider their admissions processes and eliminate any practices that use race as a factor

Q: What about scholarships reserved for students from certain racial backgrounds?
A: The memo’s implications for these scholarships are still unclear, but some schools have decided to scrap racial requirements for certain scholarships

Q: How will this affect student aid?
A: The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators is trying to understand the memo’s impact on student aid and is worried about the uncertainty it creates for students

Q: What is the reaction from civil rights groups and university leaders?
A: The guidance has drawn sharp backlash from civil rights groups and university leaders, who believe its vague language is meant to have a chilling effect

Q: What is the next step for schools and universities?
A: Schools and universities are rushing to evaluate their risk and decide whether to stand up for practices they believe are legal, and are working to understand the implications of the memo

Q: Is this a change in the federal government’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws?
A: Yes, the memo reflects a change in the federal government’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws, citing the 2023 Supreme Court decision barring race as a factor in college admissions