Arizona State University administrators are reportedly concealing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) instruction rather than complying with federal bans on such coursework, according to undercover reporting. A recorded conversation with an ASU official suggests the university is reorganizing and re-labeling DEI content to keep it in classes while publicly avoiding prohibited terminology.
In the undercover discussion, an ASU associate director admitted the institution has shifted DEI content into new internal units and curriculum planning groups so that courses still cover topics related to race, gender, and diversity without using explicit “DEI” language. The official reportedly said faculty still teach these subjects and bring in outside speakers, but avoid branding the work as DEI to comply with federal funding rules.
The official explained that openly advertising DEI programs could risk loss of federal funds, especially for state universities that rely heavily on federal research and student aid dollars. Concealing rather than eliminating the instruction is thus portrayed as a strategic choice.
This development comes amid broader legal and political pressure on universities to abide by executive orders and state policies restricting DEI training that allegedly promotes discrimination or prohibited viewpoints. Some critics argue such policies are necessary to protect free speech and equal treatment under federal law.
ASU, however, has responded to such reports by insisting the university complies fully with federal law and maintains nondiscriminatory practices in admissions and instruction, according to a spokesperson. The university continues to state it does not promote discriminatory ideologies.
Conservative education watchdogs and advocacy groups have seized on the undercover admission as evidence that universities may be circumventing legal restrictions rather than eliminating politically charged content. They warn that without greater transparency and enforcement, DEI principles could remain embedded in higher education under alternate labels.
Legal experts are watching closely, noting that federal bans on DEI have sparked litigation and enforcement actions as lawmakers and watchdogs seek clarity on what constitutes prohibited instruction. The ASU situation could become a test case for how broadly such bans are interpreted and enforced.
