In January, US president Donald Trump issued a flurry of executive orders including two that specifically targeted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal government. One specifically targeted actions by former president Joe Biden while the other basically ended DEI programmes within federal government.

Some Republican-led states have been enacting similar laws since 2023. These actions have deeply affected thousands of federal workers and corporations, schools, universities and students receiving federal funds. 

This explainer aims to delve into the specifics of the policies and their implications, in particular for universities and their students.

What is DEI?

Traditionally,  ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ has been the name given to programmes and policies designed to promote fair treatment, representation and belonging for historically marginalised groups. These include: racial and ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+, and those with disabilities. 

In universities, DEI initiatives usually include: centres providing resources, mandatory bias training for staff, diversity statements in hiring/admission processes, and scholarships or mentorships targeting specific demographics.

Critics argue that DEI promotes division by prioritising identity over merit whereas proponents suggest it fixes systemic inequities in education access. In recent years, there has been more controversy over DEI, leading it to become highly politicised.

What is happening?

Since 2023, at least 36 US states have introduced legislation restricting DEI activities in public universities, with 15 states enacting outright bans as of February 2025. Examples include Texas, where the Republican governor banned DEI offices and diversity training in 2023. In Florida, another Senate bill restricted DEI funding and banned certain race-related discussions in classrooms. 

Additionally, Trump’s executive order placed all federal DEI staff on administrative leave and mandated the removal of DEI-related content from government websites.

How are universities reacting?

American universities have responded with caution to anti-DEI initiatives. Institutions are concerned about the long-term impact, as investigations by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) are expected. Experts say many colleges began scaling back their diversity practices to avoid scrutiny.

In California, public universities are continuing their DEI programmes, such as culturally themed dorms and scholarships, while carefully navigating the new federal guidelines. University leaders, including University of California president Michael V. Drake, have assured staff that they will continue to follow both state and federal laws. UCLA chancellor Julio Frenk echoed this, emphasising that the university’s mission and values remain unchanged despite the uncertainty surrounding federal actions.

In New York, the state education department has refused to comply with the anti-DEI   directive, arguing that DEI principles are not prohibited under federal and state laws.

How are students reacting? 

Students across the US have responded to DEI rollbacks mostly with concerns and protests.

At Purdue University Northwest in Indiana, some students fear these changes will hurt job prospects. At the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, hundreds rallied against the elimination of DEI programs, arguing that it weakens inclusivity.

However, a few argue that DEI initiatives can be divisive, lead to reverse discrimination, or undermine merit-based opportunities. Political science junior Viviana Capasso at Loyola University Chicago believes these programmes have caused more division than unity. “I firmly believe in meritocracy, where race and sex aren’t exalted or penalised,” Capasso said.

What does the future hold?

DEI policies continue to evolve and could have a variety of different outcomes. 

The absence of DEI frameworks could lead to increased feelings of isolation and inequity among minority students, ultimately affecting academic performance, mental well-being and graduation rates. For example, studies show that students of colour have higher success rates when taught by diverse faculty – yet faculty diversity is likely to decline as DEI efforts are dismantled.

Moreover, the elimination of DEI initiatives could tarnish the reputation of public colleges and universities, making them less attractive to prospective students and faculty. Minority students may increasingly opt for private or out-of-state institutions that maintain inclusive policies, potentially exacerbating student debt burdens and reducing enrollment at public schools. 

Without legal obligations to promote equity, biases may permeate classroom dynamics, grading practices and campus culture, further marginalising underrepresented groups. In the long term, these rollbacks risk undermining institutional goals of fostering innovation, civic engagement and workforce development.