WASHINGTON (TNND) — Schools and colleges across the U.S. have until March 1 to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that involve race-based decision-making, according to a letter from the U.S. Department of Education.
The directive applies to all educational institutions, from preschools to colleges, and covers admissions, financial aid, hiring, and more.
“Institutions that fail to comply may, consistent with applicable law, face investigation and loss of federal funding,” the Department of Education stated.
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, federal agencies are authorized to enforce compliance by cutting funding if necessary.
However, the government cannot immediately cut funding. An investigation must first determine noncompliance, and schools are typically given an opportunity to correct their policies before losing funding. Schools can also challenge the decision in court.
In a related development, a federal judge recently blocked aspects of President Donald Trump’s anti-DEIexecutive orders. The ruling prevents the administration from freezing or canceling equity-related contracts and from requiring grant recipients to certify that their programs do not promote DEI.
Several groups sued the administration, arguing Trump’s DEI executive orders infringe on Congress’ power of the purse. The court found that some of Trump’s directives likely violate the First Amendment by chilling speech and imposing viewpoint-based restrictions. Additionally, certain provisions were deemed unconstitutionally vague, failing to provide clear guidance and inviting arbitrary enforcement.
“DEI is illegal race-based discrimination in violation of the federal Civil Rights Act,” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said on X. “A judge cannot nullify the Civil Rights Acts and order the government to award federal taxpayer dollars to organizations that discriminate based on race.”
