Trump orders universities to submit race-based admissions data

President Donald Trump on Thursday directed American universities to submit detailed enrollment data to show they are not factoring in race when granting admission. The order follows the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that declared affirmative action based on race unlawful, while allowing institutions to consider applicants’ personal experiences related to race.

In a memorandum, Trump wrote, “The persistent lack of available data — paired with the rampant use of ‘diversity statements’ and other overt and hidden racial proxies — continues to raise concerns about whether race is actually used in practice.”

The order requires universities to expand their reporting to the National Center for Education Statistics to “provide adequate transparency into admissions.” Specific reporting requirements will be announced later.


Since returning to office, Trump has taken multiple actions targeting higher education, accusing universities of promoting anti-conservative ideology, anti-Semitism, and “wokery.” His administration has restricted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in government, claiming they discriminate against white people. “Greater transparency is essential to exposing unlawful practices and ultimately ridding society of shameful, dangerous racial hierarchies,” Trump wrote.

The administration has also used federal funding as leverage, requiring universities to comply with curriculum, enrollment, and operational changes. Budget cuts have reduced or frozen research spending at several institutions since January.

Columbia University was the first to face penalties, with the administration citing its handling of anti-Semitism after pro-Palestinian protests. The university lost access to hundreds of millions in federal funding, saw research grants halted, and laid off staff. Last month, Columbia agreed to pay $200 million to the government and $21 million more to settle an anti-Semitism probe. As part of settlements over alleged breaches of anti-discrimination laws, Columbia and Brown University have agreed to share admissions data — including race and test scores — with the government.