dei initiatives

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced IBM will pay over $17 million to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act. The tech giant is accused of discriminating against employees and applicants based on race, color, national origin, or sex, despite federal contract anti-discrimination requirements. This settlement marks the first under the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative.

US President Trump's administration has overseen a significant churn in senior US military leadership, with multiple high-ranking officers exiting their posts. These removals, including Army Chief of Staff Gen Randy George, have raised concerns about institutional continuity and operational decision-making amid ongoing conflicts. The administration frames these changes as streamlining efforts, though critics question the impact on experienced leadership.

The Trump administration is proposing a new rule requiring federal funding recipients, including educational institutions, to certify they don't run diversity programs deemed discriminatory. This move, impacting over 200,000 entities, aims to curb dei initiatives, citing concerns about potential discrimination against certain student groups. Public feedback is open until March 30.

A federal appeals court has permitted President Trump's orders against diversity programs at federally funded institutions to move forward. This decision allows federal agencies to review and potentially cut funding for equity-focused initiatives at universities. Columbia University has already adjusted its DEI policies. The ruling renews uncertainty for universities reliant on federal research grants.

Amazon reiterated its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion during a recent internal meeting. AWS VP Mai-Lan Tomsen Bukovec addressed employee concerns, clarifying that despite some changes to DEI websites and the deprioritization of a few programs, the company is not reducing its support for dei initiatives or benefits, including those for transgender employees.

The University of Cincinnati will roll back all dei initiatives following an executive order by former President Trump and a directive from the Department of Education. Compliance is required by February 28. University leaders are reviewing DEI programs, while students protest the move, arguing it will negatively impact the campus community.

dei initiatives have come under fire, notably from Republican circles, with Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett's criticisms spotlighting the issue. Tractor Supply and John Deere have scaled back their DEI efforts following customer backlash. However, a survey reveals that 96% of corporate social impact professionals continue to support or enhance their DEI commitments.

The US Department of Education has taken significant actions to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These measures include dissolving key DEI councils, canceling over $2.6 million in DEI contracts, and removing 200+ DEI-related web pages. Additionally, employees overseeing DEI programs have been placed on paid leave, and the Department has withdrawn its Equity Action Plan. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to end divisive ideologies in federal agencies and education.

Iowa lawmakers passed several bills further restricting dei initiatives in higher education. The legislation revokes Iowa Tuition Grant funding for colleges with DEI programs, bans taxpayer funding for DEI in state and local government, and prohibits “identity politics” in university curricula. Supporters argue for merit-based systems, while critics see it as a setback for inclusivity.

A recent report by the Equal Protection Project, led by Cornell Law Professor William Jacobson, explores how Ivy League universities adapt their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling limiting the use of race in college admissions. The report highlights ongoing efforts to integrate DEI while suggesting an incremental shift away from race-focused practices.

Ohio’s Senate Bill 1, passed by the House (58-34), moves closer to becoming law, despite student opposition. The bill bans dei initiatives, restricts faculty strikes, mandates a state-designed civics course, and eliminates low-enrollment degree programs. Critics argue it threatens academic freedom and diversity. The Ohio Senate must pass it again before Governor DeWine's approval.

Apple shareholders have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at its annual meeting. Despite legal concerns, CEO Tim Cook affirmed Apple's commitment to inclusivity and innovation through diverse hiring. Their dei initiatives include support for historically Black colleges, indigenous coding skills in Mexico, and justice reform in Australia.

Ohio State University spends $13 million annually on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This budget supports DEI departments, controversial academic courses, and funding for external organizations. The substantial expenditure has sparked a debate, with critics questioning its necessity in a conservative state and advocates endorsing it as crucial for equity and systemic change.

The NFL stays committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) despite political pressure. Commissioner Roger Goodell reaffirmed the league's dedication to these efforts, highlighting the benefits seen in attracting talent and reflecting communities. The Rooney Rule and other DEI policies will continue, with enforcement and incentives in place to ensure meaningful progress.

The University of Colorado has renamed its DEI office to "Office of Collaboration" following Trump's executive order ending diversity programmes. The order affected dei initiatives, deeming them discriminatory and advocating merit-based practices. DEI encompasses diversity, equity, and inclusion by promoting fair treatment and opportunities for marginalized communities.

As key figures in the Democratic Party rallied behind Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination, Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett criticised her on social media, calling her a “DEI vice president” and a “DEI hire.” The media propped up this president, lied to the American people for three years, and then dumped him for our DEI vice president.” He also criticised Joe Biden's 2020 campaign promise to select a Black female vice president, questioning why other groups were not considered. During the 2020 Democratic primary, Biden pledged to choose a female running mate, with potential candidates including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. On Sunday, Biden announced he would not seek re-election and endorsed Harris for the presidency.

President Donald Trump has ordered a halt to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, including those impacting U.S. education. The directive mandates immediate suspension of dei initiatives and removal of related language in communications. The move prioritizes merit-based policies and challenges federal education programs aimed at promoting racial and ethnic diversity. It extends to the private sector, urging businesses to dismantle DEI efforts, reshaping U.S. education and employment practices.

The university’s relationship with dei initiatives has been both longstanding and complex. In 2016, the institution launched DEI 1.0, its inaugural five-year strategic plan designed to weave principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of campus life. This initiative sought to create a more inclusive environment and address systemic inequities. Following a period of review, the university introduced DEI 2.0 in October 2023, emphasizing goals such as affordability, access, and a renewed commitment to fostering an inclusive community. This broader framework remains firmly in place, even as the university reevaluates specific policies like the DEI statement requirement.

Republican-led states are rapidly expanding efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, extending beyond universities into government agencies. Driven by conservative think tanks and Donald Trump’s executive actions, these measures target DEI staffing, training, and policies. As opposition intensifies, the national debate deepens over whether equity-based values can survive this sweeping ideological rollback.

A recent College Rover survey reveals that 46% of U.S. college students oppose mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses. While 70% of students see DEI programs as beneficial for promoting diversity, political divides influence opinions. The study also highlights strong interest in race, gender, and identity classes, but students prefer voluntary participation. With 30% reporting DEI’s influence on their political views, the debate continues on whether these programs should be mandatory in higher education.