The U.S. Department of Education has outlined a series of changes to higher education institutions, saying universities across the country are revising policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), admissions, employment and student engagement.According to the department, the changes are part of a broader policy direction under Donald Trump’s administration, which focuses on what it describes as a merit-based system and institutional restructuring.
Universities leave DEI policies and structures behind.
The department reported that more than 300 colleges and universities have taken steps to reduce or eliminate DEI-related requirements and frameworks.These actions include:
- Closure or reorganization of DEI offices in more than 175 institutions
- Removing diversity statements from the hiring process of at least 15 institutions
- Changes in DEI-affiliated faculty and staff roles at approximately 95 institutions
- Removal of DEI messaging from programs and official platforms at over 45 institutions
Institutions cited in the release include Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California system.
Changes to jobs, scholarships, and student programs
The department also noted revisions to the hiring and scholarship framework, noting that some institutions have stopped using diversity statements in faculty recruitment and shifted to merit-based evaluation criteria.The College Board has revised its national recognition program standards. The updated framework removes race-based considerations and focuses on academic performance.Additionally, at least 31 institutions have terminated partnerships with the PhD project, citing compliance with federal civil rights law.
Affiliation ceremonies in selected institutions were discontinued.
In recent academic cycles, several universities have discontinued graduation ceremonies based on affiliation, the release said.Institutions mentioned include the University of Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Wichita State University.
Policy making and institutional effects
The Department of Education characterized these developments as part of a broader shift in higher education management, including changes in admissions, employment practices, and campus programming.It states that agencies are aligning policies with federal guidelines and statutory interpretations of civil rights and a merit-based evaluation system.
