The future of DEI is uncertain after Trump’s victory; now he threatens its existence.

President-elect Donald Trump’s victory may lead to the end of radical and discriminatory Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.

DEI has infiltrated various levels of education and government.

Our CriticalRace.org project has highlighted the extensive presence of DEI in higher education, medical schools, and elite private boarding schools.

The Biden-Harris team emerged from DEI pressure, with Joe Biden choosing a “woman of color,” Kamala Harris, as his running mate in response to demands.

Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign fully embraced DEI, organizing Zoom calls for various racial, ethnic, and sex-based interest groups like “White Women for Harris” and “black women.”

However, voters rejected Harris and the DEI she promoted.

Trump’s victory, supported by a diverse coalition, puts DEI in a precarious position.

It’s time to end DEI once and for all.

In a July 2023 video from his Agenda 47 series, Trump promised to address radical Left accreditors in colleges dominated by “Marxist Maniacs and lunatics.”

Elon Musk, Trump’s government-efficiency adviser, shared the video recently, indicating its significance in the president-elect’s agenda.

Focusing on accreditors can have a long-term impact.

The Department of Education oversees higher education accreditation agencies, with groups like the American Bar Association using their near-monopoly status to drive DEI into universities and graduate schools.

Trump also plans for the Department of Justice to pursue civil rights cases against schools that engage in racial discrimination, contrary to the Supreme Court’s decision to outlaw affirmative action in admissions in 2023.

To expedite change, Trump should empower private parties to pursue legal action against discriminatory practices.

Individuals who are victims of DEI often fear reprisal and do not pursue legal action, leaving their grievances unaddressed.

Empowering advocacy groups to take legal action can protect victims while pursuing justice.

These systemic changes can have a lasting impact, but the immediate priority should be cutting off funding that supports DEI programs.

While individuals are entitled to their beliefs, federal funding should not support discriminatory practices.

Trimming funds for institutions that use race-based eligibility criteria, such as DEI statements, is essential to combat discriminatory practices.

The threat of losing federal funding can hold institutions accountable and deter further discriminatory actions.

The Trump administration should also revoke the non-profit status of foundations that fund openly discriminatory programs.

Private discriminatory grant-making violates the law and must cease.

Trump can take action to cut off funding for non-compliance with anti-discrimination laws as soon as he takes office, contributing to restoring equality as a fundamental principle.

We have a chance to eliminate divisive DEI and bring Americans of all backgrounds together.

Let’s seize this opportunity.

William A. Jacobson is a clinical professor of law at Cornell University and founder of the Equal Protection Project and CriticalRace.org, where Kemberlee Kaye is operations and editorial director.