Trump cuts $15 million in diversity grants to end perceived divisive ideologies
- The Trump administration has announced a $15 million reduction in funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion grants through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- K-12 schools are now required to certify their compliance with federal civil rights laws to continue receiving federal funding.
- These funding cuts are part of a broader government initiative to eliminate what the administration considers divisive ideologies from public institutions.
In early 2025, the Trump administration announced significant cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) funding across various institutions in the United States. This decision involved slashing $15 million allocated for DEI grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The administration's move aligns with broader efforts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed at eliminating waste and what they consider divisive ideologies from federal programs. Notably, this funding reduction will impact several libraries, including a $6.7 million grant to the California State Library and a $4 million grant to the Washington State Library, which were intended to enhance equitable programming and staff diversity respectively. The funds were seen as tools for promoting social justice and inclusion within cultural institutions. The announcement also included a directive making it mandatory for K-12 schools to certify compliance with federal civil rights laws, explicitly warning against DEI practices. Schools and states that fail to comply risk losing federal funding, an action officially supported by the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor. This recent escalation is considered a significant step in the Republican administration's approach to education and funding, emphasizing a rejection of what they deem discriminatory practices based on race. The move towards eliminating DEI practices reflects a wider national discourse on race and identity within educational and cultural institutions in America. Furthermore, these cuts arise amidst broader government efforts to streamline bureaucracy and reduce federal expenditures. Proponents argue that eliminating DEI focuses funding on programs that unify, while critics argue that this undermines efforts to create inclusive environments for marginalized communities. The cuts to DEI funding have profound implications for how public institutions, including libraries and schools, approach diversity and representation in their programming and staff recruitment. The American Academy of Arts & Sciences indicates federal funding is a minor percentage of public library budgets, leading to debates about funding priorities in an environment where such issues are divisive. Local and state governments will likely have to adapt their funding models and programming philosophies in light of the reduced support from the federal government. Given the controversy surrounding these decisions, they are likely to provoke significant public response and debate regarding the values and priorities of public service organizations in America. As the administration proceeds with these funding cuts, ongoing evaluations of their impact on educational equity and access will be essential in understanding the future landscape of federal support for diversity initiatives in schools and libraries. Overall, while the government promotes this initiative as a move towards efficiency and unity, many educators and advocates are concerned about the potential long-term effects on access to resources and representation in cultural and educational contexts within the nation.