Over 300 US universities revise DEI policies, says Education Department: Institutions align with new norms

The US Department of Education has outlined a series of changes in higher education institutions, stating that universities across the country are modifying policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), admissions, hiring, and student engagement.

According to the department, these changes are part of a broader policy direction under the administration of Donald Trump, focusing on what it describes as merit-based systems and institutional restructuring.

Universities scale back DEI policies and structures

The department reported that more than 300 colleges and universities have taken steps to reduce or eliminate DEI-related requirements and frameworks.

These actions include:

• Closure or restructuring of DEI offices at over 175 institutions
• Removal of diversity statements from hiring processes at at least 15 institutions
• Changes to faculty and staff roles linked to DEI at nearly 95 institutions
• Removal of DEI messaging from programmes and official platforms at over 45 institutions

Institutions cited in the release include Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, University of Pennsylvania, and University of California System, among others.

Changes to hiring, scholarships, and student programmes

The department also noted revisions in hiring and scholarship frameworks, stating that some institutions have discontinued the use of diversity statements in faculty recruitment and shifted towards merit-based evaluation criteria.

The College Board has revised its National Recognition Program criteria. The updated framework removes race-based considerations and focuses on academic performance.

Additionally, at least 31 institutions have ended partnerships with the PhD Project, citing compliance with federal civil rights law.

Affinity ceremonies discontinued at select institutions

The release states that several universities have discontinued affinity-based graduation ceremonies in recent academic cycles.

Institutions mentioned include University of Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Wichita State University, among others.

Policy framing and institutional impact

The Department of Education characterised these developments as part of a broader shift in higher education governance, including changes in admissions, hiring practices, and campus programming.

It stated that institutions are aligning policies with federal guidelines and legal interpretations related to civil rights and merit-based evaluation systems.

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