The University of Denver is dismantling several Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs after a Department of Justice memo warned that certain practices may amount to unlawful discrimination. University leaders said the decision was necessary to safeguard federal funding while ensuring compliance with civil rights law.
Chancellor Jeremy Haefner confirmed the changes in late August, noting that the university would end DEI trainings for staff and discontinue race-based scholarships and programs designed for specific groups. Haefner said the university remains committed to inclusivity but must adjust its approach to remain eligible for millions of dollars in federal research grants and student financial aid.
The DOJ guidance signaled that DEI programs privileging one race or identity group over another could violate federal nondiscrimination statutes. In response, Denver administrators announced they would review all current policies and replace those in conflict with programs accessible to all students regardless of race or background.
The move has triggered backlash on campus. The Student Bar Association at the Sturm College of Law issued a vote of no confidence in Haefner and other administrators, accusing the university of abandoning marginalized students. Several faculty members and student organizations also condemned the rollback, arguing it undermines campus belonging and access for underrepresented groups.
University officials pushed back on those criticisms, emphasizing that inclusivity efforts will continue under race-neutral policies. They stressed that the priority is ensuring compliance with federal law while maintaining student support systems. The university has not indicated whether additional DEI-related offices or staff positions will be eliminated.
The decision places Denver among a growing number of universities scaling back DEI programming under federal and state scrutiny. With both funding and compliance at stake, the shift underscores the Biden-era growth of DEI initiatives and the new scrutiny those policies now face under President Trump’s administration.
