Department of Education warns schools to cut DEI policies or lose funding

SUMMARY

The Department of Education issued a letter warning that academic institutions must eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within 14 days or risk losing federal funding. The directive applies to schools from preschool to college and cites the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action. Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, stated, "The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race… is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent." The letter prohibits using race in admissions, hiring, financial aid, scholarships, and campus life. Schools also cannot use essays or extracurriculars to infer race. The letter claims DEI programs give racial preferences and stigmatize groups based on stereotypes. Institutions must review policies, stop race-based considerations, and end contracts with third parties using race. The department will assess compliance by month’s end. Legal challenges to the directive are expected.