A U.S. representative is raising concerns that his local Christian university is breaching federal law by continuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program under a new name. Congressman Andy Ogles from Tennessee has reached out to Education Secretary Linda McMahon this month, urging an investigation into Belmont University. He argues that the institution has merely rebranded its DEI initiatives, calling the new program “hope, unity, belonging” (HUB).
Ogles asserts that Belmont “continues exactly what the department ordered the university to cancel.”
In January, a Presidential Order signed by Trump targeted DEI programs in higher education.
Ogles stated, “Belmont University claims to be a Christian institution based on biblical principles, but its administration infuses anti-Christian ideology into its curriculum.” He emphasized that Trump correctly demanded universities dismantle any discriminatory practices or risk losing federal funding. Yet, according to Ogles, Belmont officials were caught on video discussing clever tactics to maintain the same agenda under a different guise.
Ogles mentioned a leaked video where university staff can be heard an employee saying, “We are trying to create as comprehensive a space as possible without attracting notifications.”
He interpreted this as evidence they might be trying to conceal their actions, knowing they could be illegal.
Belmont University responded to a local Tennessee newspaper, insisting it adheres to federal law. The university also noted that it’s not permissible for staff captured in the video to represent the institution publicly.
However, Ogles maintains that Belmont is “engaged in a deliberate effort to deceive federal authorities.”
He warned in his letter, “Belmont’s actions undermine federal laws governing taxpayer-funded higher education. Without swift enforcement of the law, other institutions may be encouraged to adopt similar misleading practices. Belmont University must grasp that if it continues to promote these divisive DEI programs, it risks significant repercussions.”
