In a decisive move to refocus federal education funding on core academic objectives, the U.S. Department of Education has terminated $15 million in grants previously allocated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at three universities: California State University Los Angeles, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
These grants, initially intended for teacher training and development, were reportedly utilized to support courses and workshops centered on DEI concepts, including “white privilege,” “systemic racism,” and “linguistic supremacy.” At the University of St. Thomas, for instance, a “cultural assessment” quiz prompted teachers to reflect on their understanding of how white privilege and racism affect themselves and others.
This action aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to eliminate DEI practices within the education system. In a recent executive order, President Trump emphasized that institutions of higher education have adopted and actively use “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of so-called ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion.'” He asserted that hardworking Americans deserve a fair opportunity at the American Dream and should not be “stigmatized, demeaned, or shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex.”
This development reflects a significant shift in federal education policy, prioritizing merit-based initiatives and the elimination of programs perceived as divisive. The Department of Education’s decision underscores a commitment to redirecting resources toward educational programs that promote unity and equal opportunity for all students.