Trump Targets DEI Programs and Federal Education Funding

The Trump administration is pressuring educational institutions to comply with federal anti-discrimination guidelines, specifically targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction is resisting federal demands to certify compliance with Title VI, arguing it threatens vital education funding. Similarly, Cornell University faces funding freezes affecting Department of Defense research amid investigations into alleged antisemitism and DEI practices. Nationwide, several universities are under scrutiny for their DEI initiatives, with the threat of losing federal support if they don't align with federal policies. Meanwhile, Mississippi's universities and cultural institutions, reliant on federal grants, face uncertainty as President Trump targets funding for museums and libraries, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. These actions illustrate a broader federal strategy to exert control over educational policy through financial leverage.