I recently joined the Left of Lansing podcast to break down the escalating political war on education (Link at the end of the post)
Billionaires Elon Musk and Donald Trump have both called for the elimination of DEI initiatives, threatening to cut federal funding for universities and school districts that refuse to comply. Their attack on education is not only problematic—it is unconstitutional. These programs are not about exclusion or favoritism; they are about ensuring that all students, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. DEI helps create a level playing field in education, addressing systemic barriers that have long prevented underrepresented students from thriving. By threatening to withdraw federal funding, Musk and Trump are not just targeting DEI—they are targeting the fundamental mission of education to serve and graduate all students, regardless of race, background, or socioeconomic status. If successful, their actions would undermine decades of progress in educational access and social mobility and dismantle the foundational principles of fairness and opportunity that education is built upon.
These threats are not just political rhetoric; they are already translating into real consequences for education. The Trump administration recently pulled approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, citing the institution’s alleged failure to address protests on campus. This move sets a dangerous precedent, using federal funding as a political weapon to punish educators for upholding free speech and academic freedom. Columbia is not alone—other universities are now fearful of similar political retaliation if they fail to comply with partisan demands. Similarly, Georgetown University Law Center faced pressure from Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, who threatened to deny employment opportunities to its students and graduates unless the school eliminated its DEI programs. In a strong rebuke, Georgetown Law Dean William Treanor called the demand a violation of the First Amendment and an attack on the university’s Jesuit and Catholic mission. He reaffirmed that the Supreme Court has consistently upheld a university’s right to determine its own curriculum and policies, rejecting political attempts to dictate academic priorities. These incidents underscore a disturbing trend of government interference in education, using financial coercion to dismantle inclusive and equitable learning environments.
The broader anti-DEI movement is not about fairness—it is about erasing progress. DEI initiatives help ensure that students from historically marginalized backgrounds—first-generation students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and veterans and everyone else—have access to the same opportunities as their more privileged peers. Without DEI, education risks reverting to exclusionary practices that disproportionately harm underrepresented students, ultimately widening racial, economic, and social disparities. Moreover, eliminating DEI initiatives weakens institutions, stifles innovation, and damages the economy, as diverse perspectives drive the creativity and progress that fuel research, industry, and global competitiveness. The reality is that equity and inclusion are not political issues—they are essential to the success of students and the future of education.
Educators must not cave to political pressure or allow billionaires and politicians to dictate their academic priorities. Instead, they must stand firm in their commitment to diversity, academic freedom, and student success. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the federal government cannot impose unconstitutional conditions on funding, as established in South Dakota v. Dole (1987), National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012), Agency for International Development v. Alliance for Open Society International, Inc. (2013), Rumsfeld v. FAIR (2006), and Perry v. Sindermann (1972). These cases affirm that funding conditions cannot be coercive, infringe on First Amendment rights, or penalize institutions for their ideological positions. Consequently, threats to defund universities and districts based on their DEI programs are both unlawful and undemocratic. Education leaders have a moral and legal obligation to push back against these attacks and continue their mission of fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments. If we allow politicians to decide who belongs in education, we risk erasing decades of progress toward educational justice and accessibility.
This is a critical moment for educators to defend their values, protect academic freedom, and ensure that all students—regardless of background—have the support they need to thrive. DEI is not a partisan issue—it is a fundamental component of student success, workforce readiness, and the strength of American education. The fight for diversity and inclusion is a fight for the future of public education and for the principles of fairness, opportunity, and justice that define our nation.
To hear more about this urgent conversation, listen to my full discussion on the Left of Lansing podcast here. I joined the podcast from 12:09 to 36:00 for an in-depth interview on the threats to DEI and the future of education.
Let’s continue to fight for the future of education—one that embraces diversity, fosters opportunity, and remains committed to justice for all.