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Trump versus diversity -- More than what you probably already know about.
Trump’s under-the-radar plan to crack down on DEIPolitico
The Trump administration’s battle against diversity programs is far from over. And the administration is now trying to wield the power of a federal agency that typically flies under the radar to win it.
The traditionally independent General Services Administration, which oversees how the federal government operates, is working to change the requirements for any entity that receives federal grants — not just schools. The agency’s proposal would require any entity that receives “grants, cooperative agreements, and financial assistance such as loans, insurance, and direct appropriations” to sign a certification agreement that aligns with the administration’s anti-diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
...
In January, the Trump administration withdrew its appeal of a lower court ruling that vacated the Education Department’s February 2025 guidance in what is known as a Dear Colleague letter urging schools to eliminate diversity programs or risk losing their federal funding. The guidance interpreted the Students for Fair Admissions decision as saying that federal law bars schools from using race in decisions related to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies and all other aspects of education.
The administration’s decision to withdraw the appeal was immediately celebrated by education advocates who saw it as a retreat from the policy. But the courts didn’t find the substance of the guidance to be illegal.
Now, the Trump administration’s new path forward via the GSA could have much broader consequences, given the agency’s government-wide reach and its oversight of the central hub for federal awards.
...
The traditionally independent General Services Administration, which oversees how the federal government operates, is working to change the requirements for any entity that receives federal grants — not just schools. The agency’s proposal would require any entity that receives “grants, cooperative agreements, and financial assistance such as loans, insurance, and direct appropriations” to sign a certification agreement that aligns with the administration’s anti-diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
...
In January, the Trump administration withdrew its appeal of a lower court ruling that vacated the Education Department’s February 2025 guidance in what is known as a Dear Colleague letter urging schools to eliminate diversity programs or risk losing their federal funding. The guidance interpreted the Students for Fair Admissions decision as saying that federal law bars schools from using race in decisions related to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies and all other aspects of education.
The administration’s decision to withdraw the appeal was immediately celebrated by education advocates who saw it as a retreat from the policy. But the courts didn’t find the substance of the guidance to be illegal.
Now, the Trump administration’s new path forward via the GSA could have much broader consequences, given the agency’s government-wide reach and its oversight of the central hub for federal awards.
...
Emphasis in original.