Educators, industry groups and Democratic leaders say a federal proposal restricting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility would harm student success initiatives, impose vague guidelines for educators and violate federal law.
The comments came in public feedback on a proposed regulation from the General Services Administration (GSA) that would require all federal funding recipients — including schools and colleges — to certify that they don’t use DEI programs. The public comment period closed March 30, 2026.
The certification would cover programs the Trump administration calls “discriminatory practices,” such as race-based scholarships or programs, “cultural competence” requirements, and “overcoming obstacles” narratives or “diversity statements.” Training programs that “create a hostile environment” would likewise be prohibited for entities that get federal funding.
The proposal is similar to a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter that was issued on Feb. 14, 2025, and a subsequent requirement issued by the USDE that school districts certify that they do not incorporate DEI into their schools. Those that didn’t eliminate race-based programming would risk losing federal funding.
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