The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — headed by Elon Musk — sent out a letter on Feb. 15 threatening to revoke all federal funding for public schools, colleges and universities housing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives.
The Trump administration claims that the executive orders related to DEI are meant to target DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws.
The letter stated that all schools must comply by Feb. 28 or risk losing federal funding. With the deadline to comply since passed, the Department of Education has launched an online portal at ENDDEI.ED.GOV where individuals can submit anonymous reports of DEI programs in public schools.
A joint letter from the LPC and Chabot College Presidents and Chabot-Las Positas community college district chancellor stated that despite the potential loss of federal funding, the district remains committed to “student success and educational access.”
On Feb. 21, U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson blocked the Trump administration from ending federal support for DEI programs. The preliminary junction was granted because Abelson believed that the orders were a constitutional violation against free-speech.
Abelson found the orders to be “unconstitutionally vague” as one of the reasons to block the anti-DEI orders. He also agreed with the plaintiffs — the city of Baltimore and higher education groups — that the executive orders “discourage businesses, organizations and public entities from openly supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Democratic Senator Patty Murray has also expressed their dissent towards the letter stating that blocking funding to schools with DEI programs is illegal. In a press release Murray said, “there is simply no authority or basis for Trump to impose such a mandate.” Many Democratic lawmakers have expressed their anger towards the DOGE as a whole.
California House of Representative David Min is planning to challenge DOGE by introducing a “Bad DOGE Act” bill. The purpose of the bill is to “question the blatant attacks on our Constitution that Elon Musk and DOGE are engaged in right now.” said Rep. Min. The GOP makes up the majority of the House, but Rep. Min says he hopes to have some Republicans support the bill.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta released a statement in response to the U.S. District Attorney blocking the anti DEI executive orders.
“Californians can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the California Department of Justice is going to the mat for them,” Bonta said. “Standing up against the Trump Administration’s chilling overreach of power.”
According to Bonta, the “Dear Colleague” letter will not alter existing laws placed in California. Protections for LGBTQ+ and immigrant students will remain in place. Schools are free to implement policies promoting diversity and institutions will also be free to promote accessibility and inclusivity in education.
***
Top photo: Elon Musk, seen here celebrating at a Donald Trump rally, is the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which is extracting DEI from government.
Sabrina Hossain is the Social Media Editor for The Express. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @WritersBlock678.
