50 Universities Under Fire For Keeping DEI Policies

Arizona State University (ASU) has long championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as a core part of its institutional mission. ASU has implemented numerous programs aimed at fostering inclusivity, such as its Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program, which supports academic success for first-generation Hispanic students, and initiatives like the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, focusing on uplifting Native American communities within the university. 

Boise State University (BSU) closed their Student Equity Center and Gender Equity Center in late 2024. They anticipated the state board to follow President Trump's footsteps in regard to curtailing DEI programs. Despite this, the Education Department has targeted the college, investigating them for “allegedly engaging in race-exclusionary practices in its graduate programs,” according to reporting by KMVT.

Cal Poly Humboldt aims to address systemic inequities and support underrepresented students. The university offers various DEI-focused initiatives, including the Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program, which assists Native American students in achieving academic success, and the Umoja program, designed to enhance the success of Black students through culturally relevant support and mentoring. 

California State University – San Bernardino (CSUSB) has embraced supports several DEI-focused programs, such as the Undocumented Student Success Center, which provides resources for undocumented students, and the Native American & Indigenous Student Programs, catering to tribal communities. 

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) states on their website that they are "committed to fostering an environment where all members feel welcome, valued and positioned to thrive," continuing, "we believe that education can be a transformative and enriching force for every person, irrespective of their background, identity or life circumstances."

Axious Pittsburgh reports, "At the center of the probe is the school's partnership with The PhD Project, a small nonprofit that helps Black, Latino and Native American doctoral business students find career insights, networking and job opportunities. This year, the organization said it opened its membership application to anyone who shares its vision."
 

Clemson University has made significant strides in promoting DEI through various programs and initiatives aimed at addressing systemic inequities within its campus community. The university has implemented programs such as the Clemson Emerging Scholars Program, which helps underrepresented high school students prepare for college, and the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, providing resources and support for marginalized groups.

Cornell's core values include "A Community of Belonging," saying they " value diversity and inclusion." Programs like the Intergroup Dialogue Project encourage students from diverse backgrounds to engage in conversations about privilege, identity, and social justice, fostering a greater sense of community and understanding.

Duke University strives to create a welcoming environment for all students, staff, and faculty. The university runs several impactful programs, such as the Samuel DuBois Cook Society, which celebrates contributions to social justice and equity, and the Center for Multicultural Affairs, which provides resources and support for underrepresented groups. 

Emory University has faced criticism for its DEI policies, particularly in its admissions process and faculty recruitment strategies, writing on their website: "We do more than simply recognize the differences among our students, faculty, and staff. We celebrate them—because individuality is what makes us a stronger community." The university has actively promoted diversity and inclusion through special scholarships, identity-based student programs, and hiring initiatives aimed at increasing representation from underrepresented groups.

Opponents argue that Emory’s DEI policies lead to discrimination against certain demographic groups, particularly in admissions. Some conservative organizations have called for legal action against the university, alleging that its race-conscious programs violate federal anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, faculty members have raised concerns about the pressure to conform to DEI-focused hiring criteria, which they claim could compromise academic freedom.

George Mason University (GMU) has been heavily criticized for its continued commitment to DEI policies, particularly in hiring, curriculum development, and student affairs. However, deputy vice president of communications Stephanie Aaronson points out that GMU already changed their DEI webpage to the "Office of Access, Compliance and Community," saying the school “will continue to ensure that we comply with all legal mandates from the federal government.”

GMU President Gregory Washington also responded, “As of [Feb. 28], the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was updated to the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community. This is a more specific and intuitively accurate reflection of its charter. It is not an attempt to evade compliance through clever wordsmithing – it simply affirms our actual compliance through more precise naming.”

Georgetown University, one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, has been a vocal proponent of DEI initiatives, but this stance has attracted significant criticism. Law School Dean William Treanor struck back at the unusual threats from the Department of Education, saying: 

“Given the First Amendment’s protection of a university’s freedom to determine its own curriculum and how to deliver it, the constitutional violation behind this threat is clear, as is the attack on the University’s mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution."

MIT has received criticism for its aggressive DEI policies, particularly in faculty hiring and admissions. The university has implemented diversity-focused recruitment efforts and has been known to require applicants to submit DEI statements, a practice that has sparked debate among scholars and policymakers.

WBUR reports that the organization "quietly end[ed] diversity statements" in May 2024, an entire year before the ED probe launched an investigation. MIT's website still included a DEI page, writing, "Our objective at MIT is to promote a workplace of inclusion that welcomes and supports people of varying backgrounds and different viewpoints, experience, talents, and ideas."

Montana State University – Bozeman (MSU) has drawn criticism for its DEI programs, particularly in the areas of faculty hiring, admissions, and student programming. The university has promoted diversity training sessions and offered scholarships aimed at increasing representation of historically underrepresented groups.

NYU, located in a highly diverse urban environment, has implemented a wide range of DEI initiatives, including diversity training, faculty diversity programs, and cultural centers. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for certain initiatives to promote a specific ideological viewpoint or to create a sense of exclusion. 

According to NYU News, "NYU has yet to change its website or policies related to DEI amid federal threats."  A university spokesperson told WSN that NYU “looks forward to sharing its very considerable track record.” The university did not comment on the ongoing investigations or NYU’s involvement in The PhD Project.

Rice University has been praised by some for its commitment to diversity, but its DEI policies have also made it a target for criticism. The university has since rebranded, purging any mention of DEI and switching it to "Access and Institutional Excellence," writing,"We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where all members of our community can thrive."

Vice provost at the now-Office of AIE Alexander Byrd says, “Members of the office reflected on the mission of the office and the work that we do and then explored and discussed a number of names. The new name, the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, reflects the breadth of the work that the office engages in to ensure that all Rice students can realize their full potential and find community at the university, regardless of their backgrounds.”

Rutgers University has been a strong proponent of DEI initiatives, embedding them into faculty hiring, student admissions, and campus policies. Skift reports, "Rutgers University canceled a virtual conference on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that had been scheduled for January 30. An executive order from the Trump administration that rolls back such programs led to the cancellation." 

Marybeth Gasman, executive director of the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI), broke the news:“On 1/23, in the early morning, we received an email from JFF informing us that they received a ‘stop work’ from the DOL. We were to stop all work, invoice them for work done through 1/23, and cancel the conference."

The Ohio State University (OSU) President released a message on February 27, 2025, announcing that they will sunset the DEI program. "As we shared with you earlier this month, our university has been working carefully to review policy developments at all levels of government, including a review of the work we do in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Our goal is to ensure that Ohio State continues to be a place where all are welcomed and treated with respect, while following the letter and spirit of the laws and regulations that govern us.

"The federal government has signaled its intent to enforce guidance invalidating the use of race in a broad range of educational activities, including by withdrawing federal dollars that are so important to our student, academic and operational success. Here in Ohio, a bill barring DEI is also making its way through the legislature, and the Attorney General of Ohio – our statutory counsel – has advised us that his office concurs with the federal government’s position regarding the use of race in educational activities."

Towson University has established diversity scholarships and race-based student programs, which have sparked criticism from opponents who claim they create preferential treatment based on identity.  Towson’s race-focused student groups and mentorship programs have been flagged as possibly violating federal anti-discrimination laws.

Despite the backlash, Towson University maintains that its DEI efforts are essential for promoting inclusivity and ensuring a supportive environment for all students. However, with legal challenges mounting against similar programs nationwide, the university may need to reexamine its approach to avoid potential lawsuits.

Tulane University replaced their Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion with the Office of Academic Excellence and Opportunity, as reported by The Tulane Hullabaloo. “This new office will forge partnerships with programs, schools and departments university-wide to promote success and positive outcomes for all students, faculty and staff,” President Michael FittsFitts said.

“Creating the Office of Academic Excellence and Opportunity is intended to accurately reflect the purpose and broad scope of the important and ongoing work being done to build a community aligned with our Core Values,” Fitts’ statement said. “In this new undertaking, as always, we will be guided by our principles and by the law, both of which call for opportunities equally open to all, without bias for or against any groups.”

The University of Arkansas – Fayetteville (UARK) has been a focal point in the national debate over DEI policies. The university has implemented diversity-focused hiring practices, student scholarships, and campus-wide training programs designed to promote inclusivity. However, these initiatives have sparked criticism from conservative groups and legal scholars who argue that they prioritize identity over merit.

Students also report mixed reactions to DEI initiatives on campus. While many appreciate increased cultural representation through programs and events, others believe the university has excessively focused on identity politics at the expense of academic rigor. This dichotomy highlights the varied impact of DEI policies on university communities, drawing both praise and scrutiny.

Known for its progressive reputation, UC Berkeley faces heightened criticism for the extent of its DEI policies. The university has woven DEI goals into nearly every aspect of campus life, from hiring and admissions to research grants and programming.

Dan Mogulof, assistant vice chancellor for executive communications, told Axios, "UC Berkeley has an unwavering commitment to having a campus free of discrimination. We will respond to any complaints or allegations through the process prescribed by the Department of Education."

The University of Chicago finds itself in a unique position. Known for its strong emphasis on free speech, the university’s commitment to DEI policies has met mixed reviews. According to The Chicago Maroon, "UChicago is one of 13 private universities, including Yale and Cornell, that are targets of the investigation, alongside 32 public universities."

Since President Trump’s inauguration, the University "quietly removed many mentions of DEI from its websites." "The University has been notified that a complaint was filed with the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and an investigation was opened. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination and will cooperate with OCR on its investigation,” a statement from the college read.

The University of Cincinnati’s President shared a message regarding their DEI programs: "Given the extent to which our university, like most educational institutions, relies on federal funding to deliver and sustain our core mission, it is untenable to operate as if noncompliance with these directives is an effective option. In addition, Ohio’s 136th General Assembly is in the process of fast-tracking Senate Bill 1, which, in its current form, reinforces federal DEI prohibitions.

"Given this new landscape, Ohio public and federally supported institutions like ours have little choice but to follow the laws that govern us. ...I recognize that these decisions are weighty, and these actions are a departure from decades of established practice within academic communities."

The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (UCCS) has come under fire for advancing DEI philosophies through mandatory training programs and identity-based quotas in various departments. UCCS said the complaint is focused recruiting, saying, "UCCS does not discriminate in its recruitment or hiring practices."

For instance, UCCS’s decision to include DEI-based evaluation metrics for faculty hiring sparked concern. Academics voiced apprehension that the priority of meeting diversity goals could overshadow other teaching credentials.

At the University of Delaware, DEI policies are embedded across nearly every academic and administrative department. The school’s Office of Equity and Inclusion oversees mandatory training programs designed to promote anti-racism and implicit bias awareness. 

Supporters argue these programs create more inclusive campus environments for minority students while critics counter that mandatory training may limit freedom of expression. Questions surrounding whether these initiatives benefit all students equally have persisted, placing the university at the center of conservative-led debates.

KU launched a press release in February 2025 titled "Continuing our efforts related to executive orders and federal guidance," writing: "With regard to diversity, equity and inclusion, on February 14, the U.S. Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter, calling on federally funded institutions to eliminate the use of race in all aspects of student, academic, and campus life within 14 days. 

"Failure to comply could place an institution’s federal funding in jeopardy. While the Dear Colleague Letter is not a law, it does communicate the new administration’s interpretation of law and enforcement priorities. The combination of executive orders, legal activity and the Dear Colleague Letter continue to generate questions, and we continue to work with our legal, government relations and administrative teams to clarify what is required."

The University of Kentucky recently introduced new initiatives to foster an inclusive academic experience through scholarships and mentoring tailored for underprivileged communities. However, policies such as mandatory bias training for faculty have faced backlash from conservative critics, who label these measures counterproductive. 

President Eli Capilouto released a statement titled "Many People, One Community," writing, "We must ensure creating a community of belonging is a responsibility we all share, not the purview of one office or unit. ...The Office for Institutional Diversity will be disbanded. Units previously in the Office for Institutional Diversity will be transitioned to other offices that support the entire institution, including a new office — the Office for Community Relations."

DEI initiatives at the University of Michigan cover everything from hiring quotas to the establishment of gender-inclusive language guidelines. Though these policies have been lauded for adapting curricula to meet minority perspectives, critics argue they lead to divisive campus dynamics by overemphasizing identity politics. 

A leaked internal document suggesting potential expansions of DEI requirements has further intensified these debates. Now, it looks like they're walking back on DEI after President Santa J. Ono released a statement stating, "We are implementing the following changes, effective immediately, in alignment with many of our peers at public and private institutions," including closing their offices related to equity and inclusion.

University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham sent a letter to all university students, faculty and staff in February 2025, stating “As President, I am writing to address any confusion and reaffirm my—and the University’s—longstanding commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that best supports the needs of each and every individual across our five campuses, regardless of their citizenship status."

Cunningham clarifies that the university had “not rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion” but had "paused expanding our current activities and hiring new personnel until federal policies are further clarified.”

Chancellor Joanne Li released a statement on February 21, 2025, titled "An update on the Office of Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion," writing: "Recent federal actions have introduced uncertainty regarding funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. In response, earlier today, I informed the Office of Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion that we have closed the office, and its two staff positions have been eliminated.

"My priority is to preserve the university and protect the integrity of our operations. We will continue to provide the resources and support needed for every Maverick to excel. UNO remains committed to a culture of respect, innovation, community engagement, and academic excellence that has made UNO a leading urban-metropolitan university."

UNLV has embraced DEI policies with initiatives like inclusive excellence centers and cultural competency training for faculty. While these measures have been applauded by diversity advocates, others argue they’ve added unnecessary bureaucratic layers to academic structures. 

Now, UNLV has been forced to release a statement addressing the investigation: "Three former UNLV professors were participants in the mentoring program known as the PHD Project. Two of them are no longer with UNLV. In accordance with the Nevada System of Higher Education policy, UNLV is committed to and will provide equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons..."

This university is recognized for its efforts to increase access for Hispanic and Native American students, two groups prominently represented in New Mexico. Scholarships cater specifically to these demographics under the guise of DEI initiatives. 

On their Health Sciences website, they write, "Our mission is to advance diversity, equity and inclusivity for all throughout New Mexico’s Health Science institutions and the communities they serve. We strive to do this by positioning ourselves as a key collaborator for the Health Sciences Center and New Mexico. Explore our site to learn more about the many initiatives, programs, and functions that our office provides as a champion in DEI matters."

The University of North Dakota frames its DEI agenda around promoting tribal engagement, with a special emphasis on strengthening ties with regional Native American communities. Opponents, however, suggest these targeted efforts signal a preferential treatment that can create resentment among non-Native populations. 

Discussions have also emerged regarding transparency in how funding is distributed across DEI programs compared to other academic initiatives. They have since updated their website to clarify that "resources, groups, and events are open to all."

Known for robust DEI programming, the University of North Texas (UNT) has garnered both praise and scrutiny. The Texas Tribune released an article in late 2024 titled "UNT faculty slam university for removing references to race and equity in course names."

A graduate level class was changed from “Race, Class and Gender Issues in education" to “Critical Inquiry in Education," which was one of "at least 78 edits that UNT, the Denton campus with 47,000 students, made to course titles and descriptions in the College of Education’s graduate program. The university also made around 130 edits to undergraduate courses in the same college."

The University of Notre Dame has a unique intersection of DEI policies paired with its Catholic identity, which results in a delicate balancing act between progressive and traditional values. Critics suggest that the weight placed on DEI within campus life is inconsistent with its traditional educational ethos, leaving some alumni questioning whether the university is veering too far from its foundational mission.

Now that they're under investigation, they updated their site to include everyone. "As a Catholic research university, Notre Dame is committed to defending the dignity of every human person, to promoting a just society in which every person can flourish, and to attending particularly to the needs of the most vulnerable."

As one of the first universities to integrate DEI into its curriculum requirements, the University of Oregon has faced polarizing feedback. Supporters value the initiative as an essential component of developing socially conscious graduates. On the flip side, detractors argue the required coursework takes time away from traditional fields of study, such as STEM, and imposes ideological perspectives on students.

As reported by Tiffany Camhi with OPB, a UO spokesperson said "We have recently reviewed all of our practices and believe that the University of Oregon is in compliance with the law. We have continued to review policies and practices in light of the Administration’s Executive Orders and look forward to working with the Office for Civil Rights to resolve this complaint.”

The University of Rhode Island's DEI framework extends to partnerships with local community groups to enhance regional equity opportunities. While well-intentioned, critics have raised concerns about whether partnerships outside academic pursuits detract from the university's educational mission or create "unnecessary entanglements" for the institution.

They continue to advertise their Community, Equity and Diversity webpage, which states: "We celebrate and amplify the significant and unique contributions of each and every member of the URI community. URI is deeply committed to cultivating an academic, working, and living environment that promotes inclusive excellence. We believe that we have much to learn from one another and we are dedicated to providing the means to making that happen through policy-making, programming, critical conversations, thoughtful action, and collaboration between administration, faculty, staff, and students."

At the University of Utah, DEI efforts focus on closing racial achievement gaps and promoting inclusivity within medical programs. However, critics suggest this approach runs the risk of diverting attention away from technical evaluations of student abilities in fields where precision and capability are paramount, such as health sciences.

Utah News Dispatch reports "University of Utah eliminates DEI office, offers guidelines to comply with new law," writing, "The school’s EDI office will be eliminated on July 1, according to a news release, and its staff will be reassigned to other school offices." The release clarifies that the same resources will be provided under a different name in order to comply with federal policy, saying UoU will "continue to celebrate all students and their unique life experiences, belief systems and heritages.”

Back in January 2025, LaVar Charleston was removed from his position over "concerns about financial mismanagement" just in time for President Trump to target DEI programming entirely. 

Fox News alleged that an "internal report revealed that Charleston gave most of his employees raises from 10% to 23% without justification, as state lawmakers were attempting to crack down on DEI initiatives within the Universities of Wisconsin system."

The University of Wyoming's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page is nowhere to be found! If you click the link, it merely states, "No information is available for the is page." Back in May 2024, UW preemtibely made changes to their DEI programming "in response to legislative actions to DEI":

"The University of Wyoming will eliminate its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion but is committed to maintaining services to students that, in some cases, have existed for decades. ... We understand these changes are difficult for some people to accept, just as there are some people who will see the changes as insufficient. What I can say is that we are moving forward the best we can to meet the expectations of elected officials and the people of Wyoming and continue serving our students and communities.”

DEI at Vanderbilt University goes beyond traditional programming into its endowment usage, particularly funding scholarships for underrepresented students. Now, their libraries have removed the DEI statement from their website along with "other diversity-related information," as reported by the Nashville Banner. 

"In an email obtained by the Banner, library staff were informed that the DEI statement 'was taken down to comply with a university-wide initiative to align such statements with our new Division of People, Culture and Belonging initiatives.'"

Regarded as a leader in socially progressive policies, the University of Washington (UW) has doubled down on offering DEI training modules for employees and advisers. Clashes have erupted regarding whether mandatory training infringes on personal freedom or leans too heavily on ideological rhetoric. Proponents argue it fosters workplace harmony, while critics accuse it of coercion.

They advertise diversity on their homepage, writing, "At the University of Washington, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives, strive to create accessible, welcoming, and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity, and justice for all."

Often lauded as one of America's premier research universities, WashU's approach to DEI has been framed around providing equitable access to STEM fields for women and minorities. However, conservative watchdog groups note potential biases in hiring practices, particularly in grants explicitly funneling money into diversity initiatives at the expense of open recruitment efforts.

They claim "Equity strengthens our community" on their Equity, Diversity & Inclusion webpage: "WashU aims to be a diverse community fully committed to the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusive excellence. We will pursue and value equity, diversity and inclusion in our research, learning, clinical and administrative environments so that we, collectively and individually, can benefit from the rich perspectives and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds."

Washington State University continues to advertise its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on its website, writing, "Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome," which is a quote from Arthur Chan. 

They write, "We believe wholeheartedly in international education. We embrace it. And not without purpose. We believe being globally minded helps foster understanding and improvement."

Rounding out the list is Yale, whose aggressive DEI policies—including training modules and campus-wide inclusive naming projects—have provoked sustained critiques. Critics argue DEI's outsized influence threatens free inquiry. Supporters counter that Yale’s commitment to equity enhances its reputation as a global, culturally informed institution.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Yale is described as the following: "Everyone has a role to play in making Yale a community where each of us can feel a sense of belonging, and where we can develop our own potential and the potential of our scholarship, research, and practice. ...Yale is committed to an environment of diversity, civility, and intellectual discovery in which all students can thrive."

Many more universities are under investigation due to their involvement with the PhD Project, including the following: 

• Grand Valley State University   
• Ithaca College  
• New England College of Optometry   
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 
• University of South Florida  
• University of Oklahoma, Tulsa School of Community Medicine 

(User:EdJohnston, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; USFhealthnurse, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Jeramypappas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)