Written by David Whitaker.
Colleges across the country are scrambling to figure out how to keep their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives intact despite new federal rules that cut off funding for such programs. Some schools, like Northeastern University, are simply renaming departments and initiatives in hopes of flying under the radar. Others, like Rutgers University, have been forced to cancel events and programs outright.
At the heart of this situation is a fundamental debate: Are these programs necessary to create a fairer society, or are they just expensive political activism that drains resources from education? With the Trump administration putting the pressure on, many universities are being forced to take a hard look at how they operate.
Universities Face Tough Choices on Compliance
The federal government is clear—schools that continue to push DEI programs could lose their research grants, funding for student programs, and even entire endowments. That’s a huge problem for institutions that rely heavily on federal money to function.
Some schools are playing it safe, quietly dismantling or reshuffling programs to avoid scrutiny. Others, like Mount Holyoke College, are refusing to back down. Mount Holyoke’s president, Danielle Holley, argues that even renaming these programs is an admission that their values are wrong. She believes that Trump’s policies will ultimately face legal challenges, but for now, schools must either comply or risk losing funding.
The Real Purpose of DEI Initiatives
Trump has been clear that he views DEI programs as discriminatory, accusing them of promoting a hierarchy based on race and identity rather than merit. Critics argue that these programs push a divisive agenda rather than fostering true inclusion.
For years, colleges have focused on demographic diversity, but when it comes to ideological diversity, the same institutions that champion open discourse have been accused of suppressing viewpoints that challenge their progressive agenda. Many conservative students and faculty feel their voices are ignored or silenced, and now that federal policies are shifting, colleges are being forced to confront this imbalance.
The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in 2023 already put schools on notice. While universities claim they are just shifting their strategies to comply, their continued efforts to work around the law suggest that they are more committed to their political goals than to actual education.
What This Means for Students and Faculty
For students, the impact is already being felt. Rutgers University had to cancel a session meant to support students from historically black colleges because federal funds tied to DEI programs were suddenly frozen. The uncertainty has left faculty members wondering whether their research will continue to receive grants, especially if it involves topics related to race or identity.
California Polytechnic professor Cameron Jones, who studies African American history, fears that even projects unrelated to DEI could be affected if administrators become too cautious. The chilling effect is real, and many universities are unsure of how to proceed without putting themselves at financial risk.
Meanwhile, in Republican-led states, DEI restrictions have already been in place. In Oklahoma, students like Shanisty Whittington have noticed a shift in campus culture. Programs that previously helped women and minority students connect with mentors and job opportunities have vanished. Whittington, a political science student, has struggled to break into state politics without the networking tools once available.
Our Take
The pushback against DEI programs isn’t just about money—it’s about accountability. For too long, universities have operated under the assumption that they can push any political agenda they want without consequence. But now, the government is saying enough is enough. If colleges truly cared about inclusion, they would focus on helping students succeed based on merit rather than checking boxes to meet diversity quotas.
The reality is, DEI programs have morphed into political activism disguised as education. Instead of ensuring equal opportunity, they divide students into categories of privilege and oppression. The Trump administration’s crackdown is a long-overdue correction to a system that has lost sight of its original purpose.
If universities want to keep their funding, they need to focus on education, not politics. Simply changing the names of these programs isn’t fooling anyone.
