Following over a year since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, his administration is highlighting what it considers “victories” in battling what it labels as “discriminatory” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. These include initiatives related to gender and race in education that the administration claims are reshaping the culture on college campuses.
According to a Department of Education press release, more than 300 colleges have eliminated DEI initiatives. The administration reported that 45 universities have removed DEI-related messages from their programs or websites. Notably, at least 15 institutions ceased incorporating diversity statements in faculty hiring, and about 95 universities have either renamed or reorganized DEI-related staff positions. Further, 175 universities have restructured their DEI offices, with six universities abandoning segregated graduation ceremonies altogether.
The College Board, which administers standardized tests like the SAT, has also revised its recognition standards, changes the Department of Education claims are aimed at reducing unfair advantages awarded to certain racial groups.
1. UPenn takes steps regarding women’s sports records
After UPenn was found to be in violation of Title IX, it reached an agreement to restore records and titles for women’s swimming, publicly affirm compliance with biological definitions of gender, and issue apologies to affected female swimmers. This decision impacted transgender swimmer Leah Thomas, stripping her of her national title from 2022, in accordance with UPenn’s records.
Riley Gaines, a swimmer who competed against Thomas, expressed that the agreement is a significant step forward for women’s equality. She emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring that women’s rights in sports are upheld.
2. California accused of violating parental rights
The Department of Education found that the California Department of Education was in violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which grants parents access to their children’s educational records. In a decision, the U.S. Supreme Court supported parents contesting a California law that concealed students’ gender transitions from their parents. The ruling suggested that such policies can infringe upon parental rights regarding their children’s education.
Moreover, numerous university-affiliated hospitals have reported stopping certain transgender care for minors, including hormone therapy and surgeries, as stated by the Department of Education.
3. Colorado School District faces Title IX violations
President Trump’s administration found that a Colorado school district was violating Title IX by permitting transgender students to use facilities designated for women. An agreement was established requiring the district to change its policies regarding bathroom use and ensure compliance with Title IX regulations based on biological definitions of gender.
4. Settlement agreements with universities
The Trump administration has reached 31 agreements with various universities related to doctoral programs. Investigations revealed that these institutions were collaborating with organizations that discriminated based on race, thereby violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
5. NCAA updates participation rules
The NCAA updated its rules in February 2025 to restrict participation in women’s sports to those assigned female at birth. Athletes assigned male at birth can train with women’s teams, but they are not allowed to compete. This change is seen as a response to concerns about fairness in women’s sports.
The administration’s summary of accomplishments indicates a shift from focusing on diversity and inclusion to prioritizing compliance with traditional gender definitions in educational settings, asserting that this is part of a broader campaign to restore excellence in education.
