Arizona State University Accused of Secretly Continuing DEI Curriculum

New complaint filed after dean admits school changed language but kept DEI programs

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Arizona State University (ASU) is facing a second federal complaint after an associate dean was caught on camera admitting the school is secretly continuing its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) curriculum, despite federal orders to ban such programs. The complaint alleges that ASU has an "inclusion network" spanning departments that helps faculty insert DEI into programs, and that the school has merely changed the language used to avoid detection.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between universities and federal directives to eliminate DEI programs, with accusations that schools are finding ways to keep such initiatives in place while trying to avoid public scrutiny. It raises questions about transparency and compliance with federal mandates in higher education.

The details

The new complaint was filed by Protect the Public's Trust (PPT) after an associate dean, Chandra Crudup, was recorded saying ASU had "started changing our language" in order "to not become a target," but that they are "still doing DEI." Crudup also revealed the school operates an "inclusion network" that provides faculty with tools to insert DEI into curriculum. This comes after a previous complaint by PPT about an ASU associate program director making a similar admission.

  • On January 28, 2026, PPT filed an initial complaint against ASU.
  • On February 9, 2026, PPT filed a second complaint after the new revelations from Crudup.

The players

Protect the Public's Trust (PPT)

A civil rights group that has filed complaints against ASU over the university's alleged continuation of DEI programs.

Chandra Crudup

An associate dean at ASU who was recorded admitting the school is secretly continuing DEI initiatives despite changing the language used.

Arizona State University (ASU)

The public research university in Tempe, Arizona that is accused of secretly maintaining DEI programs in defiance of federal orders.

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What they’re saying

“It's all still happening.”

— Chandra Crudup, Associate Dean of Inclusive Design for Equity and Access (Accuracy in Media)

“Another employee confirms that the university is continuing to employ discriminatory DEI policies but trying to keep them under wraps so that students, parents, and the public aren't aware.”

— Michael Chamberlain, Director of Protect the Public's Trust (Daily Caller News Foundation)

What’s next

The complaints filed by PPT will be reviewed by the Department of Education, Department of Justice, and Department of Health and Human Services.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle between universities and federal directives to eliminate DEI programs, with accusations that schools are finding ways to keep such initiatives in place while trying to avoid public scrutiny. It raises important questions about transparency and compliance with federal mandates in higher education.