Why It Matters

In a memo on Friday, the Department of Education gave schools and universities two weeks to comply with the Trump administration’s interpretation of federal civil rights law and eliminate diversity initiatives.

The memo said education institutions must stop using “racial preferences and stereotypes” as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring, scholarships and other areas, citing the Supreme Court‘s 2023 decision barring race as a factor in college admissions.

Institutions that fail to comply may face investigation and lose federal funding, according to the memo, which said schools have “toxically indoctrinated students” with the idea that the U.S. is built on “systemic and structural racism.”