The U.S. Department of Education has issued a directive to state education departments, mandating the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within 14 days or else risk of losing federal funding. The Trump administration has also terminated $600 million in federal grants aimed at programs that promote critical race theory, social justice activism, and other progressive ideologies. The Department of Education’s announcement stated that these grants included initiatives that implicitly or explicitly relied on race in their recruitment strategies and training programs.
President Donald Trump has consistently advocated for the abolition of the Department of Education, proposing to transfer educational responsibilities and funding to state governments. His administration is reportedly preparing an executive order to dismantle the agency.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said, “Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding.”
The Department of Education has already begun implementing changes by removing references to DEI from official documents, placing employees involved in DEI initiatives on leave, and dissolving its Diversity & Inclusion Council. Trainor stated, “The Department of Education will vigorously enforce the law on equal terms as to all preschool, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions, as well as state educational agencies, that receive financial assistance.”
The directive cited a recent Supreme Court ruling that prohibits race-based admissions criteria, reinforcing the administration’s stance against policies perceived as discriminatory. The administration argued that such programs contradict its educational agenda and contribute to divisive identity politics.