Trump puts higher education on notice for ‘dangerous, demeaning, and immoral’ DEI teachings

President Donald Trump’s latest executive order aims to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in federally funded higher education institutions in an effort to prioritize “merit-based opportunity.” The White House directive, issued during the president’s first two days in office, mandates the closure of all DEI offices in federal agencies and places employees in those units on paid leave.

The executive order also calls for a federal review of DEI teachings and practices in educational institutions that receive federal funding. The order asserts that many higher education institutions have implemented “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race and sex-based preferences” under the guise of DEI.

According to the order, the attorney general and secretary of education are tasked with identifying potential civil compliance investigations among institutions of higher education with endowments exceeding $1 billion. Action plans are to be developed to discourage DEI programs or principles that constitute illegal discrimination or preferences.

Within 120 days, the attorney general and secretary of education will issue guidance to state and local educational institutions that receive federal funds or grants, focusing on compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. This landmark case established that race-based admissions practices violate the Fourteenth Amendment.

The executive order emphasizes that it will not infringe on institutions’ First Amendment-protected speech. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., praised the president for pushing back against DEI, stating that the practice has diverted attention from merit, skills, and ability in favor of identity-based policies.

Jonathan Turley, a legal expert, predicts that the executive order will have far-reaching implications for higher education, potentially leading to a wave of lawsuits. Meanwhile, some experts believe that universities may begin to voluntarily comply with the new DEI measures before they are officially mandated.

Several states, including one with a Democratic governor, have already prohibited the use of DEI initiatives in public colleges and universities. The impact of President Trump’s executive order on higher education remains to be seen, but it is clear that the administration is taking steps to reshape DEI practices in federally funded institutions.