The Department of Education has warned all schools that their funding could be cut if they fail to comply with an order to end DEI programs by the end of the month.
The Trump administration has announced plans to withhold federal funding from schools that maintain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, arguing that these initiatives promote "divisive concepts" and racial discrimination. This policy, part of a broader push against what the administration labels as "woke" ideology, targets educational institutions from K-12 to higher education. Critics argue that this move could exacerbate educational inequalities and limit discussions on race and diversity in schools. The administration's stance is seen as an extension of previous efforts to dismantle DEI efforts, including an executive order signed by Trump in 2020 that banned certain types of diversity training in federal agencies. This latest threat to cut funding has sparked significant controversy, with opponents claiming it undermines efforts to address systemic racism and promote inclusivity in education.