U.S. Education Department Issues Letter Limiting DEI Programs

On February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights issued a 'Dear Colleague' letter aimed at redefining compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The letter stipulates that educational institutions must eliminate race-based preferences in all aspects of campus life, including admissions, hiring, and housing, to remain eligible for federal funding. Critics have raised concerns that this directive imposes ideological mandates and could disrupt long-standing diversity initiatives, potentially leading to legal challenges. The letter follows Executive Order 14173, which further reinforces the shift towards race-neutral policies. Educational institutions are given a 14-day period to review and amend their policies to align with this new interpretation. The response from the higher education community has been largely negative, citing fears over the implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.