Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in American universities, directly impacting elite institutions such as Harvard and historically Black colleges like Howard University.
The executive orders—13999, titled “Ending Unlawful Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” and 14151, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs,”—require that higher education institutions receiving federal funding eliminate DEI offices and related policies.
Under these directives, the Department of Justice and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are tasked with identifying and reporting discriminatory practices, particularly those perceived as giving preferential treatment based on race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Colleges and universities with over $1 billion in federal funding, including Harvard, are flagged for review and possible disqualification from future grants unless they comply with the new federal criteria.
Howard University, which maintains a Diversity and Inclusion Office, as well as LGBTQ+ student support services, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity in a public statement. The school emphasized the importance of fostering safe, respectful spaces for all students—despite fears over potential funding cuts.
“We will not compromise on values that protect and empower our students,” the university said.
The financial implications are already visible: Howard has requested $297 million in education funding for FY2025—a $57 million decrease from the previous year. In FY2023, it received just over $354,000 in federal education grants.
These new federal restrictions have sparked concern among educators, students, and civil rights advocates who warn the moves could undermine decades of progress in equal access and representation in U.S. higher education.
