As trustees of the OK Civics Center, Ohio State President Carter is assessing Trump’s DEI orders.

In the wake of the Trump administration’s policies targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across the nation, Ohio State University and its leadership have found themselves at the crossroads of a national debate. With the election of President Kristina M. Johnson, and under the continued leadership of President Carter, Ohio State has had to reassess how to move forward with its DEI initiatives, all while navigating the complex terrain of political, educational, and public pressures. These assessments take on even greater significance given the institution’s prominent role in higher education and its responsibility to uphold academic freedom and inclusion within the framework of current and potentially evolving policies.

At the heart of this reassessment lies the challenge of reconciling the goals of a public university that promotes inclusivity and academic excellence with executive orders such as the ones President Donald Trump signed during his administration, which sought to limit federal funding for programs perceived as fostering racial and gender-based discrimination or divisiveness. These policies ignited a fierce national debate about the role of DEI initiatives on college campuses, and how institutions of higher learning should balance the pursuit of diversity with principles of free speech and academic freedom.

As the trustees of the OK Civics Center and the Ohio State University system, President Carter and his colleagues are tasked with making difficult decisions that will shape the future of DEI in academia. Their responses to these federal directives will be a litmus test for universities across the country—one that will have lasting consequences for students, faculty, and the broader community.

In this piece, we will explore the various layers of this situation. We will examine the Trump administration’s DEI orders, the reactions from Ohio State University, and how President Carter and the university’s leadership team are navigating these policies in an effort to balance their commitment to inclusivity, legal considerations, and the political landscape.

Understanding Trump’s DEI Orders and Their Impact on Higher Education

During his time in office, President Trump issued several executive actions and orders that directly impacted DEI programs in federal agencies and federally funded institutions, including universities. Perhaps most notably, in September 2020, President Trump signed an executive order (EO 13950) aimed at curbing what he termed “anti-American” indoctrination in diversity training programs. The order prohibited federal agencies and contractors from using taxpayer funds for programs that promote race or sex stereotyping and scapegoating. In essence, the order took aim at DEI initiatives that incorporated concepts like systemic racism, white privilege, and intersectionality.

The order specifically targeted training that framed diversity and inclusion as efforts to address racial injustice. In doing so, the Trump administration set off a significant debate over the role of diversity education in schools, workplaces, and federal agencies. Universities were particularly concerned about the impact this order would have on their academic programs, with many questioning whether the executive order would undermine efforts to promote diversity in admissions, hiring practices, and educational opportunities.

At its core, Trump’s DEI order required federal agencies and contractors, including public universities that receive federal funds, to justify any diversity programs that could be seen as divisive or based on what the former president considered “critical race theory” (CRT). This placed universities in a precarious position, as they are often at the forefront of engaging with complex social issues related to race, gender, and identity, which are central to discussions of diversity and inclusion.

Ohio State University, like many other public universities across the country, faced the challenge of complying with federal mandates while maintaining its institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion. Under President Carter’s leadership, the university must find a way to preserve the integrity of its academic programs while navigating the shifting political landscape.

Ohio State’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ohio State University has long been a leader in promoting DEI initiatives. With a diverse student body representing a variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, Ohio State has placed significant emphasis on fostering an inclusive academic environment. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Ohio State is central to these efforts, working on programs and initiatives designed to promote access and success for underrepresented groups.

In recent years, Ohio State has implemented a number of DEI programs to foster inclusivity across campus. These initiatives include:

• Diversity training programs for faculty and staff to ensure that all individuals are equipped to support an inclusive environment.
• Affirmative action policies in admissions to encourage diversity within the student body.
• Cultural competency programs to prepare students to engage in an increasingly globalized and diverse society.
• Financial aid initiatives aimed at helping students from low-income backgrounds succeed at Ohio State.

However, despite these laudable efforts, the DEI conversation became more complex after President Trump’s executive orders and the subsequent actions taken by his administration. The Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI programs, particularly those that involved what he termed as “critical race theory,” led to concerns that these federal directives could undercut the progress made by institutions like Ohio State.

For President Carter and the Ohio State leadership team, this political shift posed a dilemma. On one hand, the university needed to comply with federal policies to maintain funding and avoid legal challenges. On the other hand, Ohio State had a responsibility to uphold its commitment to creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive academic environment for all its students, faculty, and staff.

The Role of Trustees in Assessing Trump’s DEI Orders

As trustees of the OK Civics Center, President Carter and his team are charged with ensuring that Ohio State’s leadership aligns with both legal requirements and the university’s core values. The trustees must work closely with the university administration to ensure that Ohio State continues to provide a high-quality education while remaining responsive to shifts in the political and regulatory environment.

For President Carter, navigating the complexity of Trump’s DEI orders requires careful consideration of several factors, including:

1. Legal Compliance: As a public university, Ohio State is subject to federal and state laws, including executive orders and regulations. Failure to comply with the DEI orders could result in the loss of federal funding, legal action, or reputational damage. As such, legal experts within the university must assess the implications of the orders and determine how to adjust existing DEI initiatives to ensure compliance.
2. Maintaining Academic Freedom: Ohio State prides itself on fostering an environment where academic freedom and intellectual inquiry are prioritized. DEI programs are often integral to the university’s broader educational mission of confronting social issues, encouraging dialogue, and producing well-rounded graduates. The administration must ensure that compliance with federal orders does not infringe upon faculty members’ ability to teach and research controversial topics.
3. Equity and Inclusion for All Students: Ohio State must continue to prioritize programs that enhance educational access for underrepresented groups while also ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive. This includes both academic and extracurricular initiatives designed to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in a diverse world.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Trustees, faculty, students, and alumni are key stakeholders in the university’s DEI initiatives. President Carter must engage with these groups to assess how they perceive the DEI orders and the potential impact on the university’s mission. Open communication will be essential for addressing concerns and finding solutions that align with both the university’s values and federal requirements.

President Carter’s Response to Trump’s DEI Orders

In light of the Trump administration’s policies and the university’s commitment to inclusivity, President Carter has taken a measured and thoughtful approach in assessing Ohio State’s DEI initiatives. His response can be characterized by the following key actions:

1. Revising DEI Programs for Legal Compliance

One of the first steps President Carter has taken is to revise Ohio State’s existing DEI programs to ensure that they comply with the executive orders issued by the Trump administration. While the university is committed to maintaining its inclusivity efforts, certain aspects of its programming may need to be adjusted to align with federal guidelines. This might include revising certain diversity training sessions to avoid language or themes that could be seen as promoting “race or sex stereotyping,” as defined by the Trump administration’s directives.

2. Protecting Academic Freedom

In addition to compliance, President Carter has emphasized the importance of protecting academic freedom at Ohio State. In his communications with faculty, Carter has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to free inquiry and the exploration of controversial ideas, including those that address systemic inequality and social justice. He has made it clear that while DEI training programs may be revised, Ohio State will continue to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue on important issues.

3. Open Dialogue with Students and Faculty

Understanding the concerns of students and faculty, President Carter has facilitated open forums and meetings to discuss the university’s approach to the new federal policies. These discussions have allowed stakeholders to voice their opinions on the changes, providing valuable feedback for the administration. Carter’s efforts to include the university community in the decision-making process have helped foster a sense of transparency and collaboration.

4. Continued Focus on Inclusion and Support for Underrepresented Groups

Even as the university adjusts its DEI programs, President Carter has underscored Ohio State’s unwavering commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds. The university will continue to offer scholarships, mentorship programs, and academic resources to ensure that underrepresented students have every opportunity to succeed. Ohio State is also working to expand its outreach efforts to attract a diverse pool of prospective students from across the country.

Looking Ahead: The Future of DEI at Ohio State

As Ohio State works through the challenges presented by Trump’s DEI orders, it is clear that the university remains committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. President Carter’s leadership in this process will be crucial, not only for navigating legal challenges but also

for ensuring that Ohio State’s broader educational mission is not compromised. The university will continue to evolve, adapt, and engage with its stakeholders as it works to create an academic environment that prepares students to succeed in a diverse and interconnected world.

At the same time, this moment represents an opportunity for Ohio State and other universities across the country to reaffirm their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and academic freedom in the face of political pressures. In doing so, they can help ensure that these fundamental principles remain a cornerstone of higher education for generations to come.