As US colleges grapple with a sweeping crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the Trump administration’s directives are reshaping how institutions approach diversity on their campuses. From renaming initiatives to canceling long-established programs, schools across the nation are now facing difficult choices in the wake of new policies aimed at limiting the scope of DEI initiatives.
A shifting landscape for diversity programs
On January 23, 2025, the Trump administration issued a series of executive orders that significantly restrict federal funding for DEI programs. Schools that rely on federal grants for research, projects, and contract work are now forced to reconsider how they implement diversity-focused initiatives. Some institutions are opting for name changes and rebranding of their diversity offices, while others have had to put a stop to entire programs designed to support underrepresented students.
For example, Northeastern University in Boston, which previously had a “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” office, renamed the program to “Belonging in Northeastern.” As reported by the Associated Press, the university explained that the change reflects a more inclusive approach aimed at fostering belonging for all students, regardless of background. While this shift in language may seem minor, it is part of a larger movement across US campuses to comply with Trump’s mandate while preserving their core values.
Program cuts and canceled events
For many institutions, the impact is more severe. At Rutgers University, a planned conference for students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) was abruptly canceled when funding from the Department of Labor was frozen due to its connection to DEI-related initiatives. “It feels like a punch in the gut,” said Marybeth Gasman, a professor at Rutgers, as quoted by the Associated Press. The cancellation left more than 100 students without critical internship opportunities and illustrates the tangible consequences of the new restrictions.
Beyond the immediate impact on events and funding, faculty and administrators are now concerned about the broader implications for academic research. Professors fear that research focused on racial and cultural issues may lose funding or face ideological scrutiny, further tightening the grip on diversity programs.
The uncertain future of diversity in higher education
The nationwide effects of these policies are far-reaching, as many institutions are weighing the risks of defying the administration’s orders. “Anything that is done to simply disguise what we’re doing is not helpful,” said Danielle Holley, president of Mount Holyoke College, in a statement reported by the Associated Press. Holley believes that such programs should remain unapologetically focused on creating a multiracial and inclusive environment.
However, with the looming threat of financial penalties and investigations, colleges are caught between their commitment to diversity and the pressure to comply with the administration’s vision. The future of DEI initiatives remains uncertain, as many institutions are quietly reevaluating their programs and adjusting their strategies to avoid jeopardizing crucial federal funding.
The new policies have left US colleges navigating an unprecedented landscape, where name changes and program cuts are becoming the norm as they try to balance their educational missions with political and financial pressures. As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that the future of diversity in US higher education will depend on how these institutions choose to adapt in the face of significant challenges.
