President Donald Trump has appointed 10 new officials to key positions in the US Department of Education, signaling a strong push to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at top universities such as Harvard. The new team will focus on investigating the impact of these programs, especially at institutions with endowments exceeding $1 billion. A major threat is the potential revocation of accreditation, a critical issue for universities reliant on federal funding.
A new team for a new agenda
The 10 appointees, led by Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), will help carry out Trump’s plan to scale back DEI initiatives in US higher education. Though McMahon is a newcomer to education leadership, she previously served on Connecticut’s Board of Education and led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. Several of the appointees have been vocal critics of DEI programs, focusing on issues like antisemitism at universities, including Harvard. Other key appointees include:
• Denise L. Carter – Deputy chief for student aid, serving as acting secretary of the Department of Education.
• Craig Trainor – Deputy assistant secretary for policy at the Office for Civil Rights.
• Jonathan W. Pidluzny – Deputy chief of staff for policy and programs at the department.
• Candice Jackson – Deputy general counsel at the Department of Education.
As reported by The Harvard Crimson, Craig Trainor was involved in drafting the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023, which mandates the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism by the Department of Education.
DEI programs under scrutiny
Trump’s executive order requires federally funded colleges and universities to phase out DEI programs. The Department of Education has already begun identifying institutions with endowments over $1 billion, focusing on potential violations of civil rights laws. Harvard, with its significant endowment, is expected to be a major target of these investigations.
The new officials will also focus on withdrawing funding from universities that refuse to dismantle their DEI initiatives. The Harvard Crimson reports that House Republicans have suggested the Education Department may consider targeting Harvard’s accreditation, with the possibility of losing federal funding if the university doesn’t comply with the new directives.
The accreditation threat
Accreditation is essential for universities to access federal student loans, research grants, and other crucial funding. Losing accreditation could severely impact an institution’s financial stability. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) warned, “Your accreditation is on the line,” as quoted by The Harvard Crimson. This threat looms as Trump’s appointed officials prepare to enforce policies aimed at dismantling DEI programs at major universities.
As the Education Department shifts its focus, these actions could set a significant precedent for universities across the country, reshaping how the federal government interacts with higher education and diversity policies.
