President Trump’s abolishment of diversity, equity and inclusion programs has sent shockwaves through retail stores, the federal government and, most dramatically, universities. To comply with the Trump administration’s orders, colleges began removing programs for specific students, including scholarships, in admissions and, most recently, in graduation ceremonies.
University of Kentucky complies with Trump administration
The University of Kentucky ended its special ceremony for first-generation students, using Trump’s orders to remove DEI. In prior years, graduates were able to choose a family member or a person of choice to attend. Back in April, UK announced a similar decision in ceremonies set to recognize the achievements of Black and LGBTQ+ students.
In a statement to the Associated Press, a UK spokesperson said they are complying with the law: “The success and support of our students is a principle and purpose that is incredibly important to us. Everything we do on this campus, we do with that in mind as our goal.”
Under Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order to remove DEI programs, the Education Department gave universities and schools across the country an ultimatum to remove these initiatives or risk federal funding. The February memo to educational institutions said the removal was to rectify how Asian and white students were treated. All programs that created racial preference among students were ordered to be removed.
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights said schools are rewriting history by promoting the “segregation by race at graduation ceremonies and in dormitories and other facilities.”
Kentucky lawmakers push to end DEI in higher education
The move also coincides with a bill passed by Kentucky lawmakers earlier this year that would ban all DEI policies and initiatives at all higher education institutions within the state. Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, vetoed the legislation. Both the House and Senate voted to override his decision.
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Since the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Students for Fair Admissions case striking down affirmative action in college admissions, U.S. lawmakers have introduced over 120 bills aimed at restricting or eliminating DEI initiatives across the country.
Universities under investigation for race-based preferences on campus
UK is a part of the more than 50 universities being investigated for DEI violations in regard to ending the use of racial preferences in education programs and activities. The Office for Civil Rights made the announcement in March, saying: “The investigations come amid allegations that these institutions have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) by partnering with ‘The Ph.D. Project,’ an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants.”
Other institutions also decided to cut graduation ceremonies for certain students. Maricopa County Community Colleges in Arizona announced that all cultural or special interest ceremonies will not take place, citing the Department of Education’s enforcement of cutting DEI.
Harvard University made a similar move, ending separate ceremonies for “Arab, Indigenous, Black, Latinx and first generation graduates.” The school ended this tradition amid the ongoing battle with the Trump administration to end DEI and combat antisemitism on its campus. In an email, the Ivy League school stated that it would not provide funding, staffing or spaces for “affinity” celebrations.
