Schools and colleges in the U.S. are facing a deadline to end diversity programs by Friday or risk losing federal funding from the Trump administration. However, many institutions are not rushing to make changes, believing they are legally sound and that cutting off funding would be a lengthy process.
State officials in Washington, California, and New York City have advised schools to maintain their current policies, stating that the memo does not alter federal law. Some college leaders have dismissed the memo, with one university president stating that compliance is unlikely unless federal law changes.
The memo, issued on Feb. 14, instructed schools to cease practices that discriminate based on race. Critics argue that the guidance is overly broad, potentially impacting classroom discussions on racism and diversity recruitment efforts.
Educational organizations are cautioning against hasty changes, emphasizing that institutions compliant with existing laws before the memo remain so. The potential loss of federal funding could have severe consequences, but investigations and penalties are complex and time-consuming.
While some education leaders are resisting the memo, others are complying to avoid risks. The guidance represents a shift in interpreting nondiscrimination laws, extending beyond college admissions to various aspects of education.
Trump's administration has threatened to leverage education funding to advance its agenda on various issues. Civil rights investigations by the Education Department typically take months, and penalties are subject to a lengthy appeals process.
Despite concerns and confusion among school leaders, many are maintaining their current practices. The threat of funding cuts has prompted discussions on compliance and potential legal challenges.
Overall, institutions are navigating the complex landscape of diversity programs and federal funding, weighing legal obligations against potential consequences.
