New York, NY; January 13, 2026—Both the Trump Administration and the United States Supreme Court have said that “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programs are illegal. At least 22 states have also passed bans of their own and an additional 12 have introduced legislative bills to that effect. They prohibit schools from using DEI in admissions, hiring, employee training and in required course content.
Notwithstanding, many colleges and universities still use DEI programs and personnel but change the name to something like “belonging.” This rebranding phenomenon is noncompliance and bad faith.
“Colleges and universities must get rid of DEI root and branch,” says National Association of Scholars (NAS) Policy Director Teresa R. Manning. “This rebranding phenomenon must go.”
Last January, President Trump issued two Executive Orders (EOs) banning DEI in federally funded schools and programs. Both specifically referenced the Supreme Court’s Students for Fair Admission decision (SFFA) finding racial preferences and DEI programs illegal.
“SFFA cannot enforce itself. President Trump is doing exactly the right thing to give effect to the Court’s decision and NAS wants to help,” continued Manning.