The Trump administration has dropped its legal challenge against a federal court ruling that blocked its campaign to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in schools and universities. The decision, announced Wednesday, ends a nearly year-long effort that threatened to withhold billions in federal funding from institutions that maintained DEI initiatives.
Letter at Center of Controversy
The legal battle stemmed from federal guidance issued last February, which warned schools of potential funding cuts for considering “race” in various aspects of campus life, including admissions, hiring, and scholarships. This guidance interpreted a 2023 Supreme Court decision overturning affirmative action as applying to nearly all efforts promoting racial diversity.
Despite the administration’s withdrawal from the appeal, the impact of the initial campaign has already been significant. Dozens of campuses nationwide have reportedly removed DEI-related content from websites, eliminated positions, and even discontinued culturally-themed dormitories for students of color and LGBTQ+ students. The University of Iowa, for example, has said it would end dorm communities for Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ students.
Education Expert Says ‘Damage is Done’
Shaun Harper, a professor at USC, stated, “The damage is done.” He anticipates “negative outcomes for students, academic outcomes, retention outcomes” as resources previously dedicated to DEI programs are no longer available. USC itself responded to the federal guidance by deleting its universitywide Office of Inclusion and Diversity website and renaming faculty positions.
While the federal government’s efforts faced resistance in some areas – particularly in California, where officials cited a 1997 law banning race-based admissions – other institutions, like Colorado State University and the University of Cincinnati, opted to comply with the guidance. The University of Alaska regents also voted to scrub DEI from the system.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled last August that the Education Department’s guidance stifled free speech and violated federal procedures. The administration has not publicly stated its reason for dropping the appeal.
What Comes Next
Democracy Forward, the legal firm representing plaintiffs including the American Federation of Teachers, called the decision “a welcome relief.” However, the Trump administration continues to pursue other avenues to challenge DEI initiatives, including investigations into universities like UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, and Stanford, alleging racial bias in admissions. The Department of Justice has also issued demands to UCLA, including a proposed $1.2 billion fine, related to DEI practices, though a federal judge blocked the initial terms of that settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Trump administration to drop its appeal?
The administration did not provide a reason for dropping the appeal, and the Department of Education did not respond to requests for comment.
How did California schools respond to the federal guidance?
California schools largely resisted the federal guidance, citing a 1997 state law prohibiting the consideration of race in admissions and arguing that the federal request was vague.
What other actions is the Trump administration taking regarding DEI?
The administration is continuing investigations into several California universities and has pursued settlements with institutions like the University of Virginia, requiring the elimination of DEI programming.
Given the ongoing investigations and settlements, will the future of DEI programs in higher education remain uncertain?
