Northeastern University in Boston has renamed its diversity program to emphasize 'belonging' for all students amid a crackdown on DEI initiatives by the Trump administration.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order mandating federal agencies to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) considerations from their processes to secure federal funding.

In response to this directive, NC State University announced it would cease specific DEI activities related to federally sponsored programs.

Students and faculty are increasingly worried about the impact of political pressures on DEI initiatives and the overall environment for discussing diversity in education.

A university spokesperson clarified that while DEI-specific activities must stop, other project work can continue unless a stop-work order is issued.

The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education reported a chilling effect on colleges, prompting many to reevaluate programs and positions due to fears of compliance investigations.

Students in Republican-led states, such as Oklahoma, are experiencing confusion and fear regarding free speech and access to resources due to DEI restrictions, which have already led to the loss of supportive programs.

Concerns are rising over the future of research grants related to diversity, with professors fearing funding could be jeopardized, even for non-DEI related projects.

Following a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that ended affirmative action, many colleges remain committed to recruiting students of color despite potential changes in strategies.

Mount Holyoke College's president, Danielle Holley, encourages institutions to resist capitulating to the political climate, believing that Trump's orders are legally vulnerable.

The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education warns that these federal orders could have profound long-term consequences for both higher education and the broader workforce.

Sheldon Fields, a nursing educator, emphasizes the importance of adapting language to secure funding for important programs without compromising their intent.