The University of St. Thomas faces a $6.8 million setback as a federal grant for teacher training is canceled, sparking debate over diversity initiatives in education.
At a Glance
- University of St. Thomas loses $6.8 million federal grant labeled as DEI initiative
- Grant was intended to provide scholarships for 185 future teachers
- University claims grant was not DEI-focused, but historical records show longstanding DEI emphasis
- Cancellation follows Trump administration’s Executive Order ending DEI programs in government
- University plans to replace funding for current students using donor or institutional money
Grant Cancellation Sparks Controversy
The University of St. Thomas in Minnesota has found itself at the center of a heated debate after losing a $6.8 million federal grant. The Trump administration canceled the funding, labeling it as related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This decision has ignited discussions about the role of DEI in educational settings and its alignment with shifting political landscapes.
The grant, originally intended to bolster the state’s teacher supply, particularly in special and elementary education, was set to provide scholarships and stipends for 185 students pursuing teaching licensure. University officials expressed shock at the cancellation, maintaining that the grant was not primarily a DEI initiative.
“Our reaction was deep disappointment because, in the end this isn’t about funding for St. Thomas, it’s about funding for 185 men and women who are committed to becoming teachers in some of our most high need areas. We were surprised that this was canceled. We don’t view it as a DEI initiative — we view it as a straight pipeline development initiative,” University of St. Thomas President Rob Vischer said.
DEI Emphasis: University Claims vs. Historical Records
While university officials claim the grant was not DEI-focused, historical records paint a different picture. Archived webpages indicate that St. Thomas had an existing DEI framework independent of recent federal influences. The university has required faculty and staff to uphold commitments to diversity and sustainability since at least 2021, and sponsors racial affinity groups.
“Under the Biden administration grant applicants were required to explain how use of the funds could advance diversity in the teaching profession,” Vischer stated, suggesting the school was following federal guidelines.
However, the university’s DEI strategic plan, launched in 2020, set targets for non-white student enrollment and employee recruitment, and included courses on diversity and social justice. This discrepancy between the university’s claims and its historical commitment to DEI has raised questions about transparency and the true nature of the canceled grant.
Political Implications and Future Challenges
The grant cancellation follows a Trump Executive Order ending DEI programs across the U.S. government. This move has significant implications for educational institutions relying on federal funding. St. Thomas now faces the challenge of replacing the lost funding for current students, planning to use donor or institutional money.
“Such programs stigmatize students who belong to particular racial groups based on crude racial stereotypes,” the Education Department stated, highlighting the controversial nature of some DEI initiatives.
As the university explores options to appeal the cancellation, it must navigate a complex political landscape. The Trump administration’s stance on DEI could complicate St. Thomas’s appeal, as these programs are increasingly seen as potentially violating federal law.
— DogeWatchReport (@DogeWatchReport) February 16, 2025
The situation at the University of St. Thomas serves as a microcosm of the broader national debate surrounding DEI initiatives in education. As institutions grapple with balancing diversity efforts and federal compliance, the coming months may see significant shifts in how universities approach and implement DEI programs.
