Education Department orders universities to eliminate race-based programs

The Department of Education has issued a directive to educational institutions mandating the suspension of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and race-conscious practices or risk losing federal funding. This guidance, which follows the Supreme Court's ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, reinforces existing prohibitions against racial discrimination in admissions and other aspects of campus life. The letter emphasizes that any treatment of students based on race, aiming for diversity or equity, is illegal under federal law. It raises concerns about how universities will adapt their DEI policies in light of this ruling, with legal experts noting the ambiguous language that could lead to confusion over compliance. Schools are given two weeks to implement these changes, which could significantly impact programs designed to support underrepresented student groups. The directive signals a shift in the interpretation of civil rights protections, focusing on preventing any race-based decision-making in educational environments.