How Arizona's public universities are responding to Trump's 'anti-DEI' orders

Arizona’s public universities are taking a measured approach in response to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump attacking diversity, equity and inclusion programs, in stark contrast to the changes announced by the Maricopa County Community College District last week.

Since taking office, Trump has signed several executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI policies and support for LGBTQ+ people within federal agencies and organizations that receive federal funding, including universities. The Department of Education sent a letter to schools last month directing them to end any policy or action that “used race as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring, training, and other institutional programming.”

Some institutions – including Maricopa County Community College District – canceled an array of programs and policies over fears that non-compliance would impact their federal funding. MCCCD, the nation’s largest community college district, cancelled several programs, including graduation ceremonies for racial minorities, LGBTQ students, veterans, disabled students and other diversity groups.

Politics

Maricopa County Community Colleges adopt new rules to comply with Trump's 'anti-DEI' policies

Wayne Schutsky

The Maricopa County Community College District adopted policy changes removing programs and accommodations for minority students and staff, the LGBTQ community and other diversity groups to comply with orders handed down by the Trump administration.

The response from Arizona’s public universities has been less aggressive, so far.

Arizona State University spokesman Jay Thorne said the school has made no policy changes in response to Trump’s executive orders. He said the university previously transitioned away from the use of DEI-related language last year.

“We follow the principles of the ASU Charter, which ensures that the university reflects the population of Arizona, with a focus on inclusive excellence,” he said, referencing the plan that outlines the school’s mission and goals.

“ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves,” according to the charter.

ASU’s programming still includes courses and initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion, including a “diversity and equity studies certificate” offered to undergraduate students.

“This certificate program in diversity and equity studies develops students' intercultural competence through knowledge they gain related to the histories, practices and perspectives of diverse groups, both local and global,” according to the certificate description.

At the University of Arizona, a spokesperson said “no final decisions have been made” about potential changes in response to Trump administration directives.

“We are taking a measured approach toward ensuring compliance with new policies and procedures that will impact higher education institutions in the coming weeks and months, and we will continue to uphold our university commitment to fostering a campus environment where everyone can thrive as we advance our academic, research, and service missions,” said UA spokesperson Mitch Zak.

The Arizona Daily Star reported that UA has made some changes that appear related to the administration’s orders, though. That includes taking down the web page for its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and removing language affirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion from a statement acknowledging Arizona’s Indigenous peoples.

A spokesperson for Northern Arizona University said the school is still evaluating federal actions to determine its next steps. Some employees still list their preferred pronouns on NAU’s website – a practice that is now prohibited under Trump’s orders in MCCCD.