Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, has launched an internal review after it was accused of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in violation of President Trump’s order on the subject.
“I am reaching out to update you about next steps in response to the concerns raised by elected officials regarding Belmont’s compliance with state and federal immigration laws, as well as executive orders addressing DEI in higher education,” a letter, written by Belmont University President Greg Jones and obtained by Fox News, reads. “While we make every effort to ensure compliance and continue to maintain our belief that Belmont complies with all applicable laws, we take these concerns seriously. With this in mind, we are bringing in an external partner to initiate an independent compliance review.”
The assessment follows claims made by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) that the university rebranded its DEI efforts as “HUB,” or “Hope, Unity, and Belonging.” Describing the university’s actions, Ogles told Education Secretary Linda McMahon that Belmont’s efforts “demonstrate contempt for both federal law and for the taxpayers who finance higher education.”
“Without swift enforcement against such actions, more institutions may be emboldened to adopt the same shell game, undermining the Administration’s efforts to restore color-blind, merit-based policies in American education,” Ogles wrote. “Belmont University, like all universities, must understand that if they persist in promoting racist DEI programs in violation of their students’ rights, they will be defunded.”
A recent watchdog survey suggests that at least 90 universities have rebranded DEI to avoid federal scrutiny.
