The U.S. Department of Education removed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from its workforce and public communication channels today. These actions follow President Trump’s recent executive orders and guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) aimed at reorganizing federal agencies and addressing the use of DEI programs.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) laws and programs have faced criticism and challenges for years, particularly from Republican lawmakers who argue that such initiatives undermine merit-based hiring, promotion, and educational opportunities, with a specific focus on concerns about impacts on white individuals, especially white men.
Critics from other sectors, including some Asian Americans, have expressed fears that DEI policies may unfairly limit opportunities for high-achieving students and workers. Additionally, some voices within the Black community have raised concerns that these initiatives could undermine decades of progress toward racial equity.
As part of the changes, the Department has removed hundreds of documents, reports, and training materials referencing DEI from its public-facing platforms. Employees responsible for DEI initiatives have been placed on paid administrative leave as the agency continues to review its policies.
Key steps taken by the Department include:
- Dissolving the Diversity & Inclusion Council, initially created under the Obama administration following Executive Order 13583. President Trump rescinded the council’s guiding executive orders, and related documents and actions have been withdrawn.
- Eliminating the Employee Engagement Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Council (EEDIAC) within the Office for Civil Rights under the executive order targeting DEI programs.
- Canceling ongoing DEI-related training and service contracts valued at over $2.6 million.
- Withdrawing the Department’s Equity Action Plan.
- Identifying more than 200 web pages containing DEI resources for removal. These pages encouraged schools and higher education institutions to engage in DEI programs.
The Department plans to review all agency programs and services to identify additional initiatives and groups that may align with DEI goals. This review includes examining coded or vague language that may conceal DEI-related activities.
