Education Department Warns Schools to Drop DEI Policies or Risk Federal Funding

The U.S. Department of Education has directed educational institutions to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies within 14 days or face the potential loss of federal funding. The directive follows the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action in college admissions.

In a letter issued by Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, the department stated that treating students differently based on race to promote diversity, equity, or social justice violates Supreme Court precedent. The order applies to preschools, K-12 schools, and universities that receive federal assistance.

The directive bans using race as a factor in admissions, hiring, financial aid, housing, and campus life. It also prohibits considering personal essays, extracurricular activities, or other indicators to infer a student’s race. The department plans to begin compliance assessments by the end of the month, and legal challenges to the order are expected.

Sources

• Axios – MBFC Rating
• The National Desk – MBFC Rating