For Daniela Pintor-Mendoza, the changes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at universities feel personal.
As a sophomore at the University of Iowa, she was part of a living learning community where students could explore Latino culture together. However, due to a new directive from the federal government, this community will disappear next fall. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at cutting DEI initiatives in education.
“It feels like a small part of home away from home. It motivates us and helps us connect with others,” Daniela said, expressing her struggle to find new housing and a sense of belonging.
The University of Iowa is one of many institutions being affected by new government mandates on DEI. While some universities are hesitating to take drastic measures, others have started removing DEI content from their websites, closing programs, and facing scholarship funding cuts.
The push against DEI began on Inauguration Day when Trump signed an executive order that commanded government agencies to align with the White House’s new policies, which included phasing out DEI programs.
A letter from the Department of Education on February 14 clarified that educational institutions must no longer consider race in admissions, hiring, financial aid, and other areas. This letter stated the belief that DEI programs promoted racial stereotypes rather than addressing inequalities.
Historically, DEI initiatives have been seen as beneficial, enhancing students’ cultural awareness and participation in political matters. Studies show that exposure to diverse environments can lead to positive outcomes for college students.
With funding at risk and schools facing potential legal actions, a new memo from the Department of Education added to the confusion. It indicated that simply using the terms diversity, equity, or inclusion doesn’t mean a program violates the new guidelines.
Here’s what’s happening on campuses in reaction to these changes:
The University of Iowa recently decided to end its living learning communities tailored to Latino, Black, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Starting next academic year, these programs will no longer be available.
A letter from the university’s housing office acknowledged that this decision may come as a surprise. Chris Brewer, a university spokesperson, confirmed the closure but offered no further comments.
The University’s living learning communities (LLCs) enable students with similar interests to reside together and engage in organized activities. Daniela participated in “Unidos,” a group aimed at empowering Latinx students, but it welcomed anyone interested in the community.
As a result of this decision, students like Daniela may be assigned to general residence halls or can apply for one of the six remaining LLCs focused on areas like engineering, arts, or sports management.
Students affected by this change were permitted to take part in the online selection process for dormitories. Unfortunately for Daniela, she received notification about the changes weeks after the deadline for room selection had passed.
While waiting for her new housing assignment, many students are concerned about what their living situation will look like next year.
“They had what was left, which could be anywhere on campus with random roommates,” Daniela said.
She believes these living communities allowed students from diverse backgrounds to form meaningful friendships and gain new perspectives. “Meeting someone with a completely different background can broaden your worldview,” she noted.
In 2023, the University of Iowa had around 30,000 students, with about 71% identifying as White. A page on the university’s website that used to update enrollment statistics is currently unavailable as the school reviews DEI-related content.
The Department of Education’s FAQs indicated that programs focused on cultural interests do not inherently violate the new rules. However, schools must ensure that such programs do not deter participation from students of all races.
The upcoming changes leave many students uncertain. Daniela fears that this lack of support might discourage Latino high school students from considering the University of Iowa as a welcoming institution.
“For Latino students attending a mostly White university, it can be a shock,” she explained.
Are colleges required to shut down these DEI-focused communities? The legal landscape is unclear, according to Mary DeNiro, an expert in higher education housing.
As institutions prepare for incoming students, DeNiro suggests that some may make drastic changes while others might approach the situation cautiously until more guidance is provided.
Recently, dozens of students gathered on campus to protest these changes, holding signs that read, “Diversity Makes a University” and “Remaining Silent Will Not Keep You Safe.”
Daniela helped organize the protest, saying, “The removal of LLCs really resonated with us. Enough is enough.”
The backlash against DEI initiatives expands beyond race and gender identity. In Minnesota, universities have lost funding for scholarships intended to mitigate a teacher shortage in the state.
The University of St. Thomas, a private university in St. Paul, has recently lost a federal grant meant for scholarships for future educators.
Nate McKenzie, a student and scholarship recipient, is worried about funding for his degree. “We’re kind of in limbo, waiting to see what happens,” he shared.
The University of St. Thomas assured students their current tuition would be covered, but McKenzie is unsure about financing for his final courses after graduation.
He hopes to become a teacher, but if the scholarships disappear, he worries about the larger impact on education. “Ending these programs means fewer teachers, which affects every student,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota also faced cuts related to DEI funding, putting their special education teacher programs on hold.
Leslie Hitchens, a principal at Maxfield Elementary in St. Paul, highlighted that the loss of funding could worsen the teacher shortage in the state. Without these programs, schools struggle to find educators prepared for the classroom.
As universities navigate these new rules, it’s clear that students and educators are concerned about the future of support systems in higher education.
Changes are not limited to funding. Universities are seeing DEI staff lay-offs and closures of related offices. The Ohio State University, for example, is disbanding teams dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
President Ted Carter stated that this move is a response to the current climate in higher education, emphasizing the need to adapt.
University systems nationwide are facing similar challenges. The University of Texas shut down multiple DEI offices, affecting hundreds of jobs.
Students have voiced dissatisfaction with these changes, stating universities are prioritizing politics over student well-being.
In Arizona, the Maricopa County Community College District is reevaluating DEI positions and limiting employee participation in DEI-related activities, emphasizing a commitment to reviewing policies in light of new government directives.
As adjustments continue, educational institutions must balance compliance with ensuring an inclusive environment, which remains crucial for student success.
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