The Fight for Inclusion: Why DEI Matters Now More Than Ever

As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States, colleges and universities face a significant moment in the ongoing fight for equity and social justice. The future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs on campuses across the country is at stake, with the incoming administration planning to challenge what it calls "ideological indoctrination" in higher education (Merod, 2025). Trump has also characterized these programs as promoting "anti-white racism" (Guynn, 2024). If the incoming administration follows through on its promise to dismantle DEI efforts, institutions could see a rollback of the progress that has been made in creating more equitable learning environments. The impact of these characterizations is significant: by framing DEI programs as “ideological indoctrination” or “anti-white racism,” the incoming administration is not only casting doubt on the legitimacy of these initiatives but also building public and political support for their removal. This approach positions DEI as a source of division rather than a tool for equity, making it easier to justify aggressive policy changes and funding cuts. As a result, the challenge to DEI is both a response to perceived ideological overreach and a calculated effort to reshape campus culture and autonomy, which has the potential to reverse years of progress in fostering more inclusive and supportive learning environments. 

 

The American Civil Liberties Union has concerns about the Trump Administration's ramping up efforts to remove DEI programming; and has even released a roadmap to combat threats to/on the DEI threats. DEI programming can be defined as a series of initiatives, policies, and practices that are aimed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. These programs cover topics like race, gender, and the challenges faced by marginalized groups. While DEI programing is sometimes mischaracterized as divisive, these connotations overlook the true purpose and benefits of such initiatives. DEI efforts have always been about creating fairer, more supportive environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. Removing DEI programming risks undoing years of progress in making campuses more inclusive and equitable. If these actions are implemented, it could silence voices that have been and continue to be marginalized in society which stalls progress toward true equality.

 

This push against inclusive education has the potential to undo years of work that is aimed at fostering a more just society. Prominent education leaders have vocalized their concerns about the incoming administration’s potential impact on university policies and student well-being. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education expressed his concern in a post-election podcast on November 6, 2024, stating: "I'm very anxious. Going into the [Trump] campaign, we had concerns about what a Republican administration might mean. I think that, going through the campaign, those concerns deepened. We saw a campaign that had relentless attacks on higher education. And we have an [incoming] administration and maybe a congress that doesn't believe that [higher education is] a positive good for society."

The debate over higher education and DEI extends beyond academia. It is about bigger questions of fairness and equal opportunities for everyone in our country. This controversy highlights the ongoing struggle to create an educational system and society that truly values and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly" (1963, p.1). King’s sentiments provide a macro perspective on why the stakes of DEI in higher education matter for society as a whole. While the threat of policies and are currently being targeted on college campuses, their impact extends outward. The bottom line is that setbacks to inclusion and equity in higher education ultimately threaten the broader pursuit of justice and wellbeing in our communities. King's words remind us that dismantling DEI initiatives in higher education is not just an institutional issue, but a societal one, with consequences that reach far beyond the gates of campus.

 

As we face an uncertain future, it is important to remember why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts matter, especially in higher education. These programs work to challenge existing inequalities and prepare students to become informed, conscientious members of society in an incredibly diverse world. Through DEI programs, students can gain skills and perspectives such as cultural awareness and empathy, which are not just valuable for personal growth but also for building a more inclusive society. DEI belongs in higher education because it ensures that all students have equitable access to opportunities. It fosters a richer learning environment through diverse perspectives, and upholds values of fairness and social responsibility.

 

Despite the uneasiness, higher education institutions have the opportunity to see this moment as a chance to reflect, refine, unite, and strengthen their DEI efforts. Oftentimes, people say that education is the cornerstone of our society. If this is true, education is at stake and the best way to protect these programs is to demonstrate their significant need and their value to the entire campus community.

 

DEI principles should continue to be incorporated into campus life, from classroom lectures to student affairs, ensuring that it is seen as a foundation for the educational experience, not an afterthought. Doing things like incorporating diverse textbook authors across all majors, would be a good first step for academia. Student engagement can be enhanced through student-led DEI committees and mentoring programs that can encourage cross-cultural education. By incorporating inclusion in every aspect, institutions have the opportunity to better support students amid political challenges like these, and position themselves as institutions committed to holistic wellbeing.

University leaders should be prepared to engage in difficult conversations about DEI as a whole and with those who may be skeptical about its practices. Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a psychologist and author of "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” highlights the importance of creating "brave spaces" for these discussions (Tatum, 2003). She suggests that, "We need to be able to take risks, to be vulnerable, to say the wrong thing sometimes, but to keep talking (98).” Confronting uncomfortable truths about power, race, oppression, and privilege is part of the educational process. This includes addressing the present skepticism that exists by encouraging things like normalizing active listening to diverse perspectives. If universities are to remain the cornerstone of education, they must be open to having these tough conversations, even when they are challenging.

By making a strong case for the importance of DEI in higher education, universities can continue to push for more inclusive campuses. In the face of future political shifts, such as the one expected on January 20th, 2025, institutions must remain committed to addressing issues of power, race, oppression, and privilege through DEI initiatives. This dedication is not just about improving campus life; it is about preparing the next generation of changemakers to be conscientious members of society.

 

The future of higher education and the more equitable society we all hope to build depends on our ability to navigate these challenging times with determination, integrity, and a genuine commitment to justice. Now is the time for universities to stand in solidarity with each other. They must also reaffirm their support for marginalized communities, doing their part in shaping a more inclusive, equitable future for everyone. Dismantling DEI programs has immediate and lasting consequences, including the silencing of marginalized voices and the loss of vital support systems that foster student success. When universities recognize these impacts, their responsibility to protect and advance DEI becomes clear, both morally and as a part of their educational mission. When institutions see firsthand how DEI programs help students feel supported and included, it is obvious why these efforts matter. Without DEI, institutions risk becoming less welcoming and significantly more divided. That is why our institutions need to stand in solidarity with one another and stand up for these programs to ensure that every student has a fair shot. This commitment echoes the Constitution’s promise of equal protection, reminding us that every student deserves a fair and just opportunity to succeed.

 

 

 

References:

American Civil Liberties Union. (2024, June 20). ACLU releases legal, legislative, and advocacy roadmap to combat diversity, equity, and inclusion threats posed by a second Trump term [Press release]. https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-releases-legal-legislative-and-advocacy-roadmap-to-combat-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-threats-posed-by-a-second-trump-term

 

American Council on Education. (2024, November 7). dotEDU Live: What Trump’s win and a new Congress mean for higher education [Podcast episode]. https://www.acenet.edu/Pages/dotedu/121-2024-Trump-Election.aspx

 

Guynn, J. (2024, May 1). Trump vows to crush 'anti-white' racism, DEI if he wins 2024 election. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/05/01/donald-trump-anti-white-racism-dei/73528246007/

 

King, M. L., Jr. (1963, April 16). Letter from a Birmingham Jail. University of Pennsylvania African Studies Center. https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html

 

Tatum, B. D. (2003). Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? And other conversations about race. Basic Books.

 

Willen, L. (2024, January 30). How Trump’s ‘radical indoctrination’ executive order could impact schools. K-12 Dive. https://www.k12dive.com/news/how-trumps-radical-indoctrination-executive-order-could-impact-schools/740431/