As universities across the country face growing scrutiny for their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Fox News Digital sought insights from Nicole Neily, a leading parents’ rights activist and president of the nonpartisan grassroots organization Defending Education. Neily described the responses to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle DEI programs as falling into three distinct categories.
Neily detailed that the first bucket includes institutions like Princeton and Harvard, which openly resist the Trump administration’s policies by continuing their DEI efforts under the guise of hashtag activism. The second bucket, which she termed the most significant, consists of schools rebranding DEI programs under different names, such as ‘belonging departments,’ to avoid federal oversight while maintaining the same practices. The third category comprises schools genuinely seeking to comply with new regulations, often under the pretense of aligning with the Trump administration’s policies.
Neily highlighted recent cases, such as Washington University in St. Louis, where the DEI office was reportedly moved to a restricted location to evade accountability. She also noted the scathing federal complaint against Princeton University over its DEI agenda, which included controversial policies like gender-neutral restrooms and segmented graduations by gender identity. Similar reports emerged from the University of Utah and the University of Virginia, where staff members were caught red-handed on hidden camera discussions about continuing DEI efforts under new titles.
Neily emphasized that the ‘second bucket’ of schools poses the most challenge, as their actions demonstrate a clear intent to circumvent legal scrutiny. During a recent university board conference, speakers openly advocated for the continuation of ‘inclusivity work’ based on the belief that the Trump administration’s focus is limited to Ivy League institutions. This, Neily argued, is evidence of a guilty mind, suggesting that these institutions are the real culprits in the DEI controversy.
Defending Education has taken steps to address the issue, sending a letter to all 50 states urging a comprehensive audit of K-12 education laws to eliminate potential loopholes. Neily stressed the need for a ‘whole of government’ approach to counter DEI initiatives, ensuring that administrators do not attempt to obscure their records or shift responsibility onto others.
Additionally, Neily expressed optimism that public sentiment is shifting against DEI, citing a growing trend of students opting for institutions that do not promote ‘woke’ ideologies. She noted that the influx of students into Southern states, where schools are establishing their own accreditation bodies, reflects a broader movement toward education systems that prioritize practicality and traditional values over progressive agendas.