A Call-To-Action for Institutional Leaders: Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Since the presidential election, America has had to confront dire threats to educational
opportunity by the current presidential administration. These threats have been
enacted through executive orders and actions severely compromising the U.S.
Department of Education (ED), targeting colleges and universities for diversity, equity,
and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and more.

Equitable opportunity, inclusion, and democracy are in our country’s DNA, forged by
decades of progress that enshrine education as a civil right for every student,
regardless of background. Over half of students in America’s K-12 system are students
of historically underserved Latinx, Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander, or American Indian/Alaska Native background. The nation’s multicultural
prominence and economic standing depend on this growing majority of students to go
to college, succeed, and enter the workforce. Therefore, it is important to assess the
legality of the executive actions to avoid overreactions or making rash, fear-based
concessions that threaten education’s promise to America’s students.

In guidance, the Attorneys General of Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, California,
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon,
Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia have clarified the legal landscape
for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and K-12 schools as it pertains to the ED’s
February 14, 2025 Dear Colleague letter (DC Letter) and subsequent February 28 FAQ.