„My heart dropped“
President Trump’s attack on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies has had far-reaching consequences for higher education. In the past weeks, various universities were threatened with the withdrawal of federal funding if they didn’t comply with the administration’s demands, which included a crackdown on campus protests, the sharing of hiring data with the federal government, and the immediate suspension of all DEI-related programs.
Read this insider account to learn how the resulting uncertainty is affecting researchers at US universities.
We knew there was gravity to be felt by this administration, but I don’t think we knew it would happen this quickly and harshly. Universities in the South were already shifting gears under Biden’s Administration as state laws were being passed to stop education on crucial aspects of history such as critical race theory and interrupting mandates that ensured all employees were educated on current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and best practices. Although pressure was placed on universities to shift their language, I don’t believe we expected to rewind the clock back three decades.
Since the start of 2025, there have been several universities who have closed their doors to DEI offices, employees, practices, and policies, while expecting to recruit a “diverse” student population and critical thinkers with false advertisement of multiracial individuals on pamphlets. Where I work, there was already an uphill battle to get the department established and for others to see the true need for these intentional spaces. As soon as the Department of Education sent out their “Dear Colleague Letter”, I knew another shift was coming.
My heart dropped. I didn’t know if I would still have a job. For a moment, I did not know if I should carry on as normal or start to change everything slowly in my department to hopefully not draw too much attention. My direct report finally set me down, after what felt like an agonizing week.
On the “bright” side, my job was conditionally safe. I was no longer allowed to publish materials that stated the words: diversity, equity, inclusion, privilege. On the dark side, my landing page and social media of the department were “hidden” to give the university lawyers time to figure out if it was “worth the risk”. The landing page included several diversity scholarships, resources, contact information, and more helpful aids for students needing more assistance in this complicated time. I felt helpless. I did not feel true security past that conversation.
To threaten the fabric and integrity of what makes college a life-changing experience for most is embarrassing and shameful.
The Department of Education sent a follow-up notice of FAQs with detailed answers and examples, given that the first notice was vague and unclear, yet threatening. There was a bit of relief reading the new notice, but overall sadness and deflation. Cultural celebrations, such as Heritage Months, could be celebrated but trainings educating others on privilege would be condemned. The irony with the last statement is that when one learns why Heritage Months were initially created (to celebrate and acknowledge various ethnic and marginalized groups), a concept, like privilege, is unavoidable.
I am disappointed and nervous. Higher Education is supposed to be a place of progressive ideals, debates, conversations, and forward movement. To threaten the fabric and integrity of what makes college a life-changing experience for most is embarrassing and shameful. And this is only the beginning.
This article was written by a fellow of our New Bridge Program, who wishes to remain anonymous. Their identity is known to the editors.