Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this editorial do not represent the Minnesota Daily’s newsroom and are not necessarily representative of any individual on the Opinions Desk. This piece has been agreed upon for publication by a majority vote of all members of the Daily’s Opinions Desk.
When an administration wants to fundamentally change the trajectory of the country, one surefire way to go about it is to target educational institutions. The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have impacted academic institutions across the country, including the University of Minnesota.
President Donald Trump’s executive order to end federal DEI programs has created chaos and confusion throughout the federal government and within institutions receiving federal funding.
The University is not rolling back existing DEI programs, according to an email from President Rebecca Cunningham to students, faculty and staff. The University has paused the expansion of DEI initiatives due to the recent changes and confusion surrounding DEI at the federal level.
The email came shortly after the University of Minnesota Law School announced it had paused its search for a new assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in light of Trump’s continued efforts to target DEI programs in federal and federally funded institutions.
These announcements, understandably, caused alarm and criticism from University community members, as DEI has been an important part of the University’s efforts to foster a welcoming environment for all students. Students and faculty expressed concern and disappointment for these changes but also acknowledged the importance of protecting federal funding and the harm losing funding would have on students.
In light of these changes and the uncertainty surrounding how the Trump administration’s actions will impact the University, remember that it is the members of this community are the ones who create a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. Policy changes do not take away this power.
University leadership cannot entirely control how they respond to executive orders targeting federal institutions, as they rely on federal funding and Trump said he will attempt to have educational institutions fined for supporting DEI initiatives. It would be irresponsible for the University to place federal funding in jeopardy without careful consideration of how these policies will affect the institution’s ability to function and provide opportunities for students.
However, this does not mean DEI initiatives and community concerns should be pushed aside. The Trump administration’s efforts to suppress DEI initiatives in educational institutions should not go unanswered.
Students, faculty and staff must continue to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. The progress made by the University’s DEI efforts does not disappear overnight, but Trump’s orders can chip away at it.
The University must continue its commitment to creating a more equitable educational environment, even if the methods are forced to change.
DEI initiatives became a catchall avenue for Republicans to criticize movements destabilizing the status quo, helping them appeal to people who feel threatened by the prospects of a more equitable society.
One of Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI programs described these programs as “illegal and immoral discrimination” that the Biden administration “forced” into the federal government, according to an executive order from the White House.
The idea that DEI programs are “discriminatory” is based on the idea that by giving minority groups more equitable opportunities, majority groups, primarily white, able-bodied men, will be disadvantaged. Opponents of DEI also argue these programs decrease the importance of merit.
What this perspective ignores is the history of systemic barriers marginalized groups face throughout society. DEI programs help those left behind catch up to groups who have historically enjoyed the advantage.
Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and many other marginalized groups have to overcome significant barriers most majority groups do not often, or ever, face. People from marginalized groups often have to be grossly overqualified for positions to be considered as seriously as white men with fewer qualifications.
Effective DEI programs can focus more on opening doors for people who face barriers getting to the doors in the first place, rather than determining who to hire. These programs can ensure women get equal pay to their male counterparts, provide flexible hours for working parents and create safe work environments.
DEI programs are about eliminating current inequities, not creating new ones.
It is vital that we do not let limited perspectives on DEI undo years of progress many programs have made, including those at the University.
This is not to say every DEI program is perfect. Programs favoring unqualified candidates just to make an organization appear more diverse should be adjusted to more effectively target inequities people face. Programs only aiming to achieve external diversity markers were not designed to address DEI issues in the first place.
Even for programs that need improvement, cutting DEI initiatives is not a solution that will help people.
Trump’s efforts to dismantle university DEI programs threaten to limit opportunities for students from underrepresented groups and undo years of progress in making education more accessible.
We should not blame the University for the pressure the Trump administration has put on DEI. Instead, we must hold the University leadership and community accountable for protecting DEI from further setbacks.
Above all else, we must work together to preserve the values and progress the University community has worked so hard to create and continue to push forward.
Diverse voices make us strong. Working together makes us stronger.
