Continued DEI pushback at colleges and universities

What this episode covers

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have faced constant attacks from the current Trump administration.  Early in his second term, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders to terminate federal programs with any mention of DEI. This included the end of funding to some National Institutes of Health programs.  Some states pushed back, and now the Trump administration has agreed to drop anti-DEI criteria for stalled health research grants. However, for one former Georgia professor, his state didn’t participate in this legal battle. In Episode 12, you’ll meet Géza Kogler. He most recently was a professor at Kennesaw State University, but was one of the many recipients who lost their NIH grant.  His program aimed to train the next generation of orthotists and researchers who specialize in designing, constructing and fitting medical devices such as braces, splints and supportive footwear.  Kogler believes that his NIH funding was terminated because it specifically supported researchers from underrepresented backgrounds.  At the University of North Carolina System, they’ve been tackling to repeal the system’s policy on DEI in favor of “principled neutrality” since before Trump’s second term.  You’ll hear from NC Newsline Deputy Editor Clayton Henkel on what is going on at the 17-campus system. Finally, Evening Wrap newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s watching. Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer.  Click here for the full transcript:  Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:  UNC System details painstaking process to root out diversity, equity and inclusion (NC Newsline) NIH grant cuts throw science into a ‘downward spiral,’ researchers and advocates say (Georgia Recorder) Trump administration agrees to drop anti-DEI criteria for stalled health research grants (States Newsroom D.C. Bureau) Kansas efficiency committee targets DEI curricula in college classrooms (Kansas Reflector) University of Arkansas abruptly withdrew incoming law dean’s offer. Here’s what happened. (Arkansas Advocate) Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at [email protected] Photo: A photo of a building at University of North Carolina's Chapel Hill campus. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline)