Just a few months into his second term, President Donald Trump set his sights on the federal government, specifically targeting programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and implementing a hiring freeze. Students in higher education who aspire to work in the federal government are feeling affected.
Through a series of executive orders, the Trump administration established its opposition to certain federal government programs such as DEI, by rescinding Obama-era legislation that established the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and enforcing hiring freezes—potentially jeopardizing the future careers of students.
The Trump administration is taking steps to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, according to the White House website.
According to a White House fact sheet, Trump has made reforming the federal government a “key priority,” including withholding federal funding from education.
In a memo, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights described DEI programs as “pervasive” and “repugnant,” threatening to withdraw federal funding from institutions that fail to eliminate DEI initiatives.
“Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding,” the memo stated.
According to Forbes magazine, the elimination of DEI has consequences, including stagnation or increases in unemployment rates, a decrease in workplace inclusivity and growing economic disparities.
Amina Irby, a junior political science major and gender & sexuality studies minor from Washington, D.C. expressed uncertainty about her future, voicing concerns about the withdrawal of DEI programs, potential funding for the next academic year and the graduate school application process.
Aligning with her minor, Irby hopes to conduct research related to gender and sexuality studies, but fears that Trump’s anti-DEI policies will hinder her aspirations.
“I wanted to do research for heteronormative policy and how it has affected people in different countries. Everything is so unpredictable right now, I have no idea what my future looks like,” Irby said.
She is one of many students concerned about their future career opportunities.
Under the Trump administration’s hiring freeze, vacant federal government positions cannot be filled, and new positions cannot be created.
The hiring freeze applies to all executive departments and agencies, except for immigration enforcement, law enforcement and public safety.
“Under expiration of the day-one hiring freeze and implementation of the hiring plan, agencies will be able to hire no more than one employee for every four employees that depart from federal service,” according to the fact sheet.
As a result of these changes, many students have lost their jobs and internships.
According to Reuters, more than 2,000 jobs and summer internships have been canceled or put on hold.
In response to these governmental changes, Irby stressed the importance of staying informed and politically active beyond just the presidential election.
“We have to pay more attention, we have to get involved not just every four years but every part of the election cycle. This is a time where people really have to focus on political education. It’s something that will affect you in every part of your life,” Irby said.
Copy edited by Aniyah Genama
