How Trump’s DEI Policies Impact College Students: Scholarships, Housing, and Beyond

For Daniela Pintor-Mendoza, the push to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in colleges feels personal.

Daniela is a sophomore at the University of Iowa. She’s part of a special housing community that celebrates Latino culture and experiences. Unfortunately, this community will disappear next fall due to an executive order from President Donald Trump, which targets DEI initiatives.

“It’s like a home away from home,” said Daniela. “It motivates us and surrounds us with supportive people.” Now, she’s worried about finding new housing and the loss of her community.

The University of Iowa is not alone. Many schools are responding to a Department of Education mandate that requires them to eliminate DEI efforts. Some universities have stopped mentioning DEI on their websites or shut down entire programs. Some have even lost funding for scholarships.

Trump’s actions against DEI began on Inauguration Day. He signed an executive order that instructed federal agencies to follow his policies regarding DEI.

A letter from the Department of Education on February 14 made things clearer. It directed schools to stop considering race in admissions, financial aid, hiring, and training. The letter accused DEI programs of promoting racial stereotypes.

Previously, many DEI initiatives were seen as beneficial. Studies have shown that students exposed to diverse environments tend to be more culturally aware and politically engaged.

As federal funding becomes uncertain and schools prepare for possible legal challenges, recent guidance from the Department of Education stated that using the terms “diversity,” “equity,” or “inclusion” does not automatically mean a program is violating the new rules.

Here’s how universities are reacting to these changes:

The University of Iowa announced it would no longer offer living-learning communities that focus on Latino, Black, and LGBTQ+ experiences. This change will be effective starting next school year.

The university’s housing office acknowledged that this decision might disappoint some students. Chris Brewer, a university spokesperson, confirmed this change.

Living-learning communities, or LLCs, allow students with similar interests to share dorm space and participate in organized programs. Daniela was part of a group called Unidos, aimed at enriching the knowledge and empowerment of Latinx students.

Next fall, students like Daniela won’t have access to these targeted housing options. Instead, they will be placed in general residence halls or can apply to six other LLCs focused on different interests, like engineering and the arts.

Those affected by the changes were allowed to participate in the general room selection process. However, Daniela noted she received notification of the changes after the early selection deadline had passed.

Concerns are growing about the potential loss of cultural connections. Daniela believes living-learning communities helped students from diverse backgrounds connect and learn from one another.

“These communities allow students to interact with others from very different backgrounds and gain valuable perspectives,” she said.

In 2023, the University of Iowa had around 30,000 students, with over 71% identifying as White. A webpage with details about the student body demographics has been removed as the university reviews its content related to DEI.

According to the Department of Education, programs that focus on specific cultures or areas of interest should not violate the new rules. However, schools must ensure that such programs do not discourage students of all races from participating.

Students at the University of Iowa are worried about how the removal of targeted housing will impact their college experience and their sense of belonging in a predominantly White institution.

Many students have already started voicing their opinions. Last weekend, Daniela attended a demonstration where students expressed their desire to keep DEI programs. They carried signs proclaiming, “Diversity Makes a University.”

The effects of these mandates are being felt beyond just campus communities. In Minnesota, universities like the University of St. Thomas are experiencing funding cuts for scholarships aimed at addressing local teacher shortages.

Nate McKenzie, a graduate student, shared his concerns about potentially needing to find additional funding to complete his education as the university prepares for funding changes.

Many worry that without such programs, critical support for students and diverse teachers will be lost, further complicating education in the state.

As these changes unfold, those engaged in DEI work within universities are facing layoffs and job reassessments. At The Ohio State University, layoffs of staff working on DEI initiatives have been announced.

Students are pushing back against these changes, arguing that diverse programs contribute to academic excellence by promoting understanding and inclusivity.

Overall, the recent shifts in DEI policies and funding highlight the ongoing debates surrounding diversity and inclusion in education. As universities navigate these changes, the potential impacts on students and communities remain a crucial topic of discussion.

Source link