Atlanta Universities Dismantle DEI Programs Amid Trump Directives

Students and staff feel abandoned as schools comply with federal orders to end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Emory University and other Atlanta universities have announced they will comply with President Donald Trump's directives to higher-education institutions to end programs dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This has led to the swift dismantling of many identity-based programs and resources that supported minority students on campus, leaving them feeling abandoned. While university leaders cite the risk of losing crucial federal funding, students and faculty are pushing back to protect the programs they say were a major draw to the schools in the first place.

Why it matters

The attack on DEI programs at Atlanta universities is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to roll back affirmative action and diversity initiatives across the country. This raises concerns about the future of support for minority students in higher education, as well as the ability of universities to uphold their values of inclusivity in the face of federal pressure.

The details

In September 2025, Emory University announced it would comply with Trump's directives, leading to the rebranding or dismantling of many DEI-focused programs and offices. This includes the Black Women's Initiative, Black Male Initiative, and the Emory Writing Center's anti-racism and equity commitments. Other Atlanta universities like Kennesaw State have also ended identity-based resource centers and majors like Black Studies, citing low enrollment and the need to comply with state-level policies against DEI. Students and faculty say the changes have systematically chipped away at vital support systems, leaving many feeling unwelcome.

  • In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order reversing the federal government's position on affirmative action and other diversity programs.
  • In February 2025, the Department of Education issued a 'Dear Colleague' letter threatening to cut funding for colleges and universities that failed to comply with the administration's order.
  • In September 2025, Emory University Interim President Leah Ward Sears announced the university would dismantle its DEI office and programs.
  • In May 2026, Kennesaw State University administrators ended the university's Black Studies major and restructured several identity-based resource centers.

The players

Emory University

A private university in Atlanta that has announced it will comply with President Trump's directives to end DEI programs.

Noëlle McAfee

A philosophy professor at Emory University, chair of the Faculty Council, and president of the University Senate.

Kennesaw State University (KSU)

A public university in the Atlanta metro area that has also moved to end diversity-focused programs and groups in compliance with state-level policies against DEI.

Amy West

A senior at Kennesaw State University and communications director for the Kennesaw Pride Alliance.

Ángel Cabrera

The president of Georgia Tech, who warned staff that failure to comply with federal guidelines could jeopardize crucial federal funding for the school.

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What they’re saying

“It feels like we've pretty much been told, 'We don't want you here. We don't need you here.' It feels like we've been kicked to the curb.”

— Amy West, Senior, Kennesaw State University (atlantamagazine.com)

“President Sears says that cutting the programs doesn't question what's in our DNA and our values, but I think the fact that we're not able to stand up for those values kind of shows where our chips lie. And I'm disappointed in that.”

— Elizabeth Brubaker, Senior, Emory University (atlantamagazine.com)

“Morale is at an all-time low, and principled leadership is sorely needed.”

— Anonymous KSU faculty member (atlantamagazine.com)

What’s next

It's unclear if identity-based centers will make a comeback at KSU or other Atlanta universities, as the political landscape continues to shift. Several lawsuits are currently working through the courts, challenging the legality of the Trump administration's directives.

The takeaway

The dismantling of DEI programs at Atlanta universities highlights the broader political battle over affirmative action and diversity initiatives in higher education. While university leaders cite the risk of losing federal funding, the impact on minority students and staff has been deeply felt, raising concerns about the future of inclusive campus communities.