Federal Policy Primer and Discussion Guide: DEI and Civil Rights
A guide to help education leaders navigate the 2025 presidential transition and related federal changes
The complex and rapidly evolving landscape of federal policies and executive orders impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and civil rights has created widespread uncertainty. College and university leaders are striving to balance remaining compliant to federal and state directives related to DEI and civil rights while maintaining their commitment to fostering inclusive environments. They are also considering the long-term impact of compliance with these directives on enrollment, funding, reputation, and the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Download our policy primer for help unpacking the following topics:
- What’s changed for institutions regarding compliance with DEI directives? How federal policy shifts impact campus DEI efforts
- What’s changed for gender identity recognition and protections? Changes in federal protections for and recognition of non-binary people
- What’s changed regarding campus free speech and flashpoint response? Considerations for campus speech and institutional responses to politically charged events
- How has federal support for underrepresented student groups changed? How federal programs supporting historically underrepresented students have changed
- How have Title IX guidelines for sexual violence response changed? How Title IX changes have impacted the balance of due process and survivor protections
- What hasn’t changed, yet: Where policies associated with the Trump campaign stand today
Strategic questions every team should be discussing right now
As you review our policy primer and consider the implications of recent DEI and civil rights changes, use the following discussion questions to inform your institution’s next steps. We suggest engaging your cabinet, along with key stakeholders such as the Vice President for Student Affairs, Legal Counsel, and Chief Advancement Officer.
- When is pre-emptive decision-making the right answer, and when might it be harmful to pull back supports in advance of a legal mandate to do so? Sample considerations: impact on students, conflicting state and federal mandates and pressures, potential backlash from alumni, donors, students, parents, etc.
- What can we do to increase visibility into and support for students who may be disproportionately affected by these changes? See our BIT/CARE Team Assessment.
- How can we bolster our preparedness for potential flashpoints now so that, in high-pressure, emotionally charged moments, they do not consume as much time and focus that could be dedicated to other priorities?
- In anticipation of the loss of federal support for existing campus initiatives, how might we leverage the current climate to explore alternative funding sources and sources of support, such as donors or state legislators?
- How can we maintain trust in our campus grievance processes amid shifting federal requirements and heightened scrutiny?
- What policies, guidelines, and values will we adhere to when navigating issues related to supporting underrepresented student groups throughout the duration of Trump’s second term?
Want more guidance on how to prepare for what’s next? To learn about EAB’s scenario planning workshop, contact your Strategic Leader or email [email protected].
More Resources
Addressing Free Speech and Student Activism on Campus
Higher Education Crises and Flashpoints Resource Center
