The topic of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has become a divisive issue, with much pushback at what is perceived as unfair discrimination on the basis of gender, race and sexuality. To address this, President Donald Trump has issued orders that remove funding from agencies and schools that include DEI initiatives. These directives have been followed by a variety of reactions, with many orders being blocked before they could be implemented. 

Some see DEI as an alienating ideology that seeks to divide and paint America’s history in an unfavorable light. Proponents of DEI disagree and say DEI levels the playing field and addresses the unique issues that people of different backgrounds might face. Though DEI initiatives have only become popular recently, they have faced intense backlash.  

The Department of Education (DOE) complied with Trump’s order by requiring a recertification from state commissioners that they are devoted to ensuring anti-discrimination measures and will cease programs involving DEI in order to continue receiving funding. According to Education Week, 16 states immediately signed a certification that DEI initiatives would cease in their schools. Meanwhile, several states, including Florida, Alabama, Iowa and Idaho, already have anti-DEI laws in place according to Best Colleges. For example, in Iowa, a 2024 budget bill was introduced that included a provision banning DEI offices at state colleges and universities and limiting the types of positions and viewpoints an institution can promote. 

However, many other states have come out and refused to restrict or remove DEI in their schools including California, New York and Pennsylvania according to News One. 

Minnesota has been one of the states that affirmed their commitment to DEI. In a letter to the national DOE, Minnesota DOE Commissioner Willie Jett confirmed his support for programs and policies that allow every student the same opportunities. Although the state commissioner’s criticism of the order ensures continued DEI efforts in MN, a loss of funding could be devastating for the already underfunded areas of the education budget. 

According to The Star Tribune, Minnesota receives about 10%, or $1.4 billion, of its school funding from the federal government. A loss of federal aid could harm special needs education, as Minnesota schools already rely on state general funds to help cover costs. The potentially withheld Title 1 federal funds are also allocated to other groups including low-income students, free school lunches, charter schools and native tribes. “We’re all living in a little bit of uncertainty and fear about what’s going to happen and I don’t think kids should have to deal with that. I think they ought to be able to come to school and learn what they want to learn and be who they want to be without threat of taking away opportunities because of some DEI connection somewhere,” said Principal Rob Reetz. 

While specific effects in Minnesota are yet to be seen, budget cuts have already happened nationally, particularly in universities. The Trump administration has frozen $2.2 billion in grants from Harvard University. However, the university has stood up against the Trump administration and refuses to comply with requests that would allow the administration considerable power over how Harvard is run, including cutting DEI in admissions and hiring. On the other hand, the University of Michigan decided to cut their Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and discontinue their DEI programs in fear of budget cuts. They faced backlash from university faculty and students alike.

Many at Mounds View have been worried about these recent developments. “I fear that in some cases, there is concern that we are privileging people and equity has been villainized,” said Reetz. He explains his commitment to branching across different cultural waters. “I understand what a challenge that brings to [students’] experience to not have your faith as well represented here, to not have your culture as well represented here. There ought to be ways for us to change and adapt,” said Reetz. “Our ability to be responsive is at threat, and that’s just not the kind of school culture that I want to have.”