Sat Jan 03 07:10:00 UTC 2026: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trump’s Higher Education Overhaul: Academic Programs Shut Down Amid Shift Away From DEI

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump’s push to reshape American higher education continues to yield significant changes as several academic programs have closed in 2025. This comes after Trump’s campaign promises to combat Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), undo Biden-era Title IX regulations, and even abolish the Department of Education.

Following an executive order declaring DEI initiatives “unlawful,” the Trump administration has directly influenced academic program modifications across the country. Here are five notable closures:

  1. Towson University Shuts Down Gender Studies Department: Citing declining enrollment, Towson University in Maryland closed its gender studies department after enrollment had fallen to 11 students this fall. The program will be integrated into the College of Liberal Arts as a major or minor. Former department chair Cindy Gissendanner said the University will continue to educate students on issues of women, gender equality, LGBTQ studies within the department.

  2. University of Pittsburgh Closes DEI Office: In response to increased federal scrutiny, the University of Pittsburgh replaced its Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with the Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing. This decision follows the Education Department’s warning to colleges and universities that they risk losing federal funding by maintaining DEI programs.

  3. Purdue Ends DEI-Linked Program After Funding Cancellation: The Trump administration’s decision to cancel funding for Purdue’s GEAR UP program resulted in the university discontinuing its involvement with the project, which had a $34.9 million budget. The administration argued that the initiative contradicted efforts to prioritize merit and fairness, particularly criticizing training programs that addressed unconscious bias in hiring.

  4. Boston University Closes Ibram X. Kendi’s Center for Antiracist Research: Boston University closed Ibram X. Kendi’s Center for Antiracist Research, citing ongoing financial challenges. Kendi has since departed to Howard University, though no website for the planned Institute for Advanced Study is available.

  5. Naval Academy Ends Race-Based Admissions: In line with the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action and President Trump’s executive order on “Restoring America’s Fighting Force,” the U.S. Naval Academy has ended race-based admissions. The executive order emphasizes that no individual within the Armed Forces should be disadvantaged based on race.

These closures reflect a broader shift in higher education under the Trump administration, emphasizing merit-based systems and a departure from DEI-focused initiatives.

This report was prepared by Jack Roberts, Senior Editor for Campus Reform.

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