Republican politicians in early 2023 launched an assault on colleges’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to recruit and retain faculty and students of color. While college administrators say their so-called DEI efforts are an effective strategy to repair decades of exclusionary policies and practices that repelled communities of color from their campuses, Republican leaders say the practices violate free speech, break antidiscrimination laws, and are a misuse of public money.
Track the latest DEI Legislation
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DEI Legislation Tracker
Legislators, mostly Republicans, want to get rid of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices; end anti-bias trainings; and banish diversity statements.
Recent Stories
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Offering a Haven
Colorado College Encourages Students to Transfer From States With Anti-DEI Laws
The private institution announced an initiative Thursday for students who feel ostracized by the policies in Florida, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. -
Naming Priorities
Diversity Chief at U. of South Carolina Has ‘Diversity’ Stripped From His Title
The official, Julian R. Williams, will now be vice president for access, civil rights, and community engagement. -
Academic Freedom
Florida’s DEI Ban Censors Classroom Instruction, Lawsuit Says
Faculty members and students at New College of Florida are suing the state over its restrictions on diversity spending and gen-ed instruction at public colleges. -
Faculty Hiring
Diversity Statements Get the Ax at Arizona’s Public Universities
A spokesperson for Arizona State University told The Chronicle that the campus had begun carrying out the change last spring. -
Keeping Open the Doors
After Supreme Court Ruling, DEI Work Gets More Challenging and Crucial, Experts Say
Diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus have faced attacks this year by Republican lawmakers. Now DEI officers are evaluating what’s still legal and ramping up their efforts. -
Law & Policy
A Widely Criticized Higher-Ed Overhaul in Ohio May Soon Become Law
The state legislature’s budget deadline is Friday. In a rare display, college presidents have spoken out against the proposal. -
'Anticipatory Obedience'
New and Proposed Laws in Florida and Texas Are Already Reshaping the College Classroom
Vaguely worded legislation is having far-reaching effects on how professors teach. -
Politics and DEI
College DEI Spending Draws Ire of Mississippi’s GOP Auditor
The state’s higher-education board says that DEI spending amounts to less than 1 percent of the overall system budget. -
Debating Points
Why Are Trump and DeSantis Talking About Accreditation?
The contenders for the Republican presidential nomination say they plan to harness the wonky process to set higher ed straight. Experts are skeptical. -
Hiring & DEI
Are Diversity Statements Illegal?
Legal experts are divided. A new lawsuit may provide clarity.
