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The U.S. government has launched new investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public institutions, marking another step in President Donald Trump’s crackdown on such programs. On Thursday, the Department of Education opened a civil rights probe into George Mason University (GMU), alleging its DEI policies violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded education programs.
The investigation follows a complaint from GMU professors claiming that since 2020, the university has implemented unlawful DEI measures favoring faculty from underrepresented groups to promote “anti-racism.” GMU confirmed receipt of the department's letter and stated it does not discriminate based on race or ethnicity, pledging to cooperate fully.
Simultaneously, the Department of Justice announced an inquiry into the state of Minnesota, specifically the Department of Human Services, over potential race- and sex-based discrimination in its hiring practices. Minnesota officials defended their practices, noting that justifying non-affirmative action hires has been a legal requirement since 1987.
These actions are part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to defund or dismantle DEI-related policies across educational institutions and state agencies. Trump has argued that such programs are anti-merit and biased against white individuals and men. His administration has also challenged policies tied to climate action, transgender rights, and pro-Palestinian campus protests.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will stop considering race or sex in key farm-related programs, ending a longstanding push to redress historic discrimination within the agency.
Civil rights advocates warn that dismantling DEI initiatives undermines progress for marginalized communities, including ethnic minorities, women, and LGBTQ individuals. The Biden-era expansion of DEI is now facing a broad rollback under Trump’s renewed leadership.
