Florida Tech reviews diversity webpages following Trump’s anti-DEI orders, raising concerns across the academic community. The university temporarily removed two diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pages to comply with new federal directives.
While Florida Tech is a private institution and not legally required to comply with President Trump’s executive orders, it may still face indirect consequences, such as risks to federal funding. U.S. companies are following a growing trend in this direction. Colleges are adjusting or removing DEI content in response to new government policies.
In this article, we’ll explore why Florida Tech made this decision, how other schools are reacting, and what this shift means for the future of DEI in higher education.
Why Did Florida Tech Take Down DEI Webpages?
Florida Tech confirmed it is reviewing its programs to comply with recent federal guidance. The two affected pages include:
- Engage Portal DEI Page (student-facing events/resources)
- Culture, Collaboration, and Management Institute (restored after initial removal)
A university spokesperson stated that their priority is ensuring student success while complying with federal expectations.
Trump’s Executive Orders: A National Shift Against DEI
President Trump’s executive order, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” has triggered immediate changes across federally funded institutions.
Key elements of the order:
- Mandates review of DEI-related content in federally funded programs
- Threatens withdrawal of federal grants from non-compliant institutions
- Pushes back against what the administration calls “radical indoctrination”
How Other Universities Are Responding
Florida State University (FSU): Ordered removal of 30+ DEI-related keywords, such as “ethnicity,” “segregation,” and “advocacy”
University of Colorado: Removed its main DEI website
University of Akron: Cancelled its long-running “Rethinking Race” event
Eastern Florida State College: Reported no significant impact and confirmed compliance with guidelines
University of Central Florida (UCF): Has not commented officially, but DEI-related content remains on its website
Implications for Private Institutions Like Florida Tech
Even though private schools are exempt from executive orders, the indirect threat to federal research funding, student financial aid, and government partnerships makes compliance a cautious necessity.
Potential impacts include:
- Removal of inclusive language from public-facing websites
- Reevaluation of DEI programs, faculty positions, and student services
- Legal grey areas around academic freedom vs. federal compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Florida Tech take down its diversity and inclusion pages?
Florida Tech temporarily removed DEI-related webpages to review compliance with Trump’s executive order on eliminating DEI programs. The university stated it’s a proactive measure to ensure alignment with federal funding requirements.
Is Florida Tech required to follow Trump’s executive order?
No, Florida Tech is a private institution. However, because it may receive federal funding, it chose to assess its programs to avoid potential risk to federal grants or student aid.
What is Trump’s executive order about DEI?
President Trump’s 2025 order seeks to end government-supported DEI initiatives by removing funding from institutions that promote diversity programs. It frames DEI as “wasteful” and claims such efforts lead to ideological bias.
Are other colleges affected by the order?
Yes. Both public and private universities are responding to the order. Some have removed or altered DEI content, while others are reviewing their web pages and programs to ensure compliance.
What DEI content was removed or altered by Florida Tech?
The DEI page on Florida Tech’s Engage portal and the site for the Institute of Culture, Collaboration and Management were taken down for review. The latter has since been restored.
Conclusion
Florida Tech’s review of its diversity webpages following Trump’s anti-DEI orders highlights a broader shift in how universities are navigating federal mandates and campus inclusion. While this review may be temporary, it reflects ongoing national tensions around DEI in education.
As more institutions react to similar pressure, stakeholders, students, staff, and the public need to stay informed about how these changes may affect access, equity, and academic freedom.
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