The Assault on DEI
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 and its affect on college campuses
Legislators, mostly Republicans, want to get rid of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices; end anti-bias trainings; and banish diversity statements.
We’ve documented actions taken on dozens of campuses to alter or eliminate jobs, offices, hiring practices, and programs amid mounting political pressure to end identity-conscious recruitment and retention of minority staff and students.
DEI EXPLAINED
Recent Stories
Diversity Efforts
A vice president warned at the tense meeting that the incoming Congress will “use whatever tools they have” to eliminate identity-conscious diversity initiatives: “We may have to trim sails.”
'Impending Threats'
In the aftermath of a critical New York Times story, faculty leaders fear regents are considering cuts to one of the nation’s most unapologetically ambitious models.
Academic Freedom
Faculty members at the University of North Texas fear their teaching and research on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion will be curtailed by their own university’s interpretation of a state law — and, in one college, they say it already has.
Diversity Defense
Amid widening disparities and under political siege, advocates urge administrators to start collecting data to figure out which DEI strategies do and don’t work.
Anticipating attacks
The university’s top leader says it’s a concession to the tremendous pressure that colleges are under as lawmakers seek to ban DEI efforts.
The Review | Essay
Trump’s pick for VP has academe in his sights.
Changes Ahead
Of at least 39 bills introduced in 19 states this year, four have passed, according to a Chronicle analysis. Utah’s law is the most sweeping.
Dismantling Diversity
The 49 staffers thought their jobs were safe. Then they were summoned to a Zoom call.
'Compliance U'
In Republican-controlled states, lawmakers are leaning on legalese and intimidation to stamp out diversity efforts in public higher ed.
Turning Tides
He built his career advocating for underrepresented students. Now his movement is under organized attack.
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