The Trump Administration has an axe to grind against a state that voted blue in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Presidential elections. Virginia also has a cooperative Republican Governor (and 2028 Presidential candidate hopeful) eager to earn points with the MAGA base, so it’s no surprise that they targeted Virginia’s public universities first.
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DEI
Attacks on DEI in K-12 Public Education Will Impact Us All
IK-12 public schools may have to choose between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and federal funding. Given that the Trump Administration is moving forward with dismantling the Department of Education on top of longstanding under-funding for K-12 schools, this current threat is adding fuel to an existing fire.
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A Tale of Two Approaches: VCU Cuts DEI Office While URichmond Keeps Efforts Quiet
Since the beginning of the Trump presidency, there has been a sense of confusion within different institutions of higher learning on how to move forward with executive orders. One of the primary targets of the Trump administration has been programs for Diversity Equity and Inclusion. There is no consensus amongst universities on whether or not to comply with the demands or push back and that sense of confusion is reflected in the variety of responses from colleges and universities across the nation. Read More
Boycotts and economic blackout planned in response to DEI Retreat
Consumers are being asked to speak with their wallets − or lack of spending – as a way to protest the retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by some companies, and President Donald Trump’s actions to eliminate federal DEI programs since taking office. Organizers and influencers are calling on consumers to boycott specific retailers… Read More
Trump DOGE cuts threaten VCU teacher residency program and Youngkin’s signature lab school
In cuts to DEI-related programs announced recently, the Trump administration canceled a five-year, ~$9 million federal grant for a teacher residency program at Virginia Commonwealth University, which partners with CodeRVA Regional High School as one of Governor Youngkin’s signature lab schools called VCU X CodeRVA. VCU’s RTR Teacher Residency Program is a proven undergraduate and… Read More