Trump cracks down on DEI: From state bans to federal overhaul, US education is being transformed

President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff to be placed on paid leave, with agencies instructed to create plans for their potential layoffs, stated in a memo from the Office of Personnel Management. This move follows a broader directive to terminate DEI programs across federal agencies, including those related to education. The executive action has wide-reaching consequences for over 2.4 million federal workers and educational institutions receiving federal funding. Under the order, the US Attorney General and the Secretary of Education must issue joint guidance within 120 days, instructing educational agencies on how to comply with the 2023 US Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in university admissions. This move sets the stage for dismantling DEI initiatives designed to promote diversity in hiring, training, and academic settings.
Trump’s stance on gender and DEI policies
During his inaugural speech, Trump declared that the US government would recognize only two genders: Male and female. “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders – male and female,” he said. This stance on gender and diversity continued throughout his presidency in the first term. Back then, Trump had implemented a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and halted the recruitment of transgender personnel. However, President Joe Biden reversed this policy upon taking office in 2021.
In his re-election campaign in 2024, Trump had pledged to roll back protections for transgender and LGBTQ+ students, which were established under President Biden’s administration. Trump opposed measures that allowed transgender students to use bathrooms and facilities corresponding to their gender identity, claiming they infringed on others’ rights. He also opposed broader LGBTQ+ inclusion policies, such as staff training on LGBTQ+ issues, preferred name and pronoun policies, and strategies for preventing bullying, viewing them as promoting “left-wing” ideologies. Trump argued these policies undermined traditional values and promised to reverse them if re-elected.

State-level pushback on DEI
The federal move is part of a broader trend. In 2024, six US states—Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, and Utah—have passed or introduced legislation restricting or banning DEI initiatives at public colleges and universities. These actions, largely backed by Republican lawmakers, reflect growing opposition to DEI programs, which critics argue promote divisiveness rather than unity. Proponents, however, maintain that DEI is essential for addressing systemic inequalities in education.
These state-level actions reflect a conservative shift in the approach to higher education and government involvement in promoting inclusivity. States like Utah have taken a strong stand by passing laws that restrict the scope of DEI efforts, prohibiting public institutions from requiring DEI-related training or implementing policies perceived as discriminatory based on gender or race.
In practice, the legislation passed in these states has led to the dismantling of DEI offices and the elimination of mandatory DEI training programs for students and staff. For example, Alabama’s SB 129 bans certain DEI offices and programs, while prohibiting schools from teaching ideas that suggest individuals should feel guilt based on race or gender. In Kansas, new laws restrict the scope of diversity efforts in public universities, with the aim of reducing the influence of race and gender-based policies. These changes have created a ripple effect, with other states now considering similar measures, altering the landscape for DEI initiatives in public higher education.
A divisive debate over diversity in education
The halt of DEI programs and the placement of DEI staff on paid leave represents a major shift in US educational and employment policies. As Trump pushes forward with plans to cut federal funding for institutions promoting DEI initiatives, the debate surrounding inclusivity in education intensifies. Supporters of DEI argue these programs are vital for ensuring equality and representation, while opponents, including Trump, claim they unfairly prioritize certain groups. With state-level actions and the upcoming presidential election, the future of DEI policies in education remains uncertain, with significant implications for students, educators, and policymakers alike.