The Trump administration’s policies have led to significant changes in higher education institutions. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has closed its Community and Equity Office and officially ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, signaling a shift toward a merit-based admissions and hiring process. The changes, led by MIT President Sally Kornbluth since January 2024, include the elimination of a senior administrative DEI position. Kornbluth emphasized MIT’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment based on talent from diverse backgrounds without prejudgment. This move comes amidst President Trump’s broader crackdown on DEI initiatives, including federal funding cuts and expanded civil rights investigations at institutions like MIT and Harvard over allegations of racial and antisemitic discrimination. MIT has suffered up to $35 million in research grant losses and plans to reduce graduate admissions by 8% for the 2025-26 academic year. The university is participating in legal efforts to counter Trump administration cuts to scientific research funding.
