Op-Ed: DEI Policies at Lake Forest College

Allie Armour ’28
armouragr@lakeforest.edu
JOUR 320 Student

Since returning to office, President Trump and his administration have made it clear that they want to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from institutions such as schools and workplaces. These programs exist to help prevent discrimination and give everyone, especially minorities, a fair opportunity at jobs, education, and opportunities. Eliminating them wouldn’t just be a step backward—it would make things harder for a lot of people who already face unfair treatment.  

“The shutdown of DEI programs halts the initiatives of promoting diversity, which therefore leads to a decrease in efforts to employ workers from diverse backgrounds, which leads to a lack of perspective,” said Ava Jarock, a 20-year-old Lake Forest College student.

I agree. DEI programs, which are meant to address long-term disparities based on race, gender, ability, age, and sexual orientation, are designed to ensure equal opportunities in education and the workplace. While the Trump Administration has sought to eliminate these programs, supporters argue that removing DEI would undo progress and make it harder for marginalized groups to succeed.

If DEI programs are removed, discrimination could become more common in workplaces, schools and other important spaces. Many companies use these programs to hire people from different backgrounds, which brings in fresh ideas and perspectives. Without them, businesses might not make diversity a priority, making it even harder for certain people to get hired or promoted.

Schools and universities would also take a big hit. DEI programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds by offering scholarships, mentorship and other support. Without them, many students might struggle to get into college or feel like they do not belong once they’re there. This removal of DEI programs would also only make it harder for minorities to close the education gap.

Civil rights activists and legal experts have been pushing back against Trump’s executive orders, arguing that DEI is not about giving unfair advantages—it’s about making sure everyone has the same opportunities. These protections took decades to put in place, and removing them now would erase a lot of the progress made toward equality.  

Amid these developments, administrators at Lake Forest College say they intend to make sure that all students and staff feel included and cared for.

“Lake Forest College will continue to comply with all applicable state and federal laws while doing our utmost to support the well-being of every member of our community,” wrote Interim Lake Forest College President Rob Krebs, along with other senior staff members, in a campus-wide email titled “Reaffirming our Commitment to the Lake Forest College Community” Feb. 17. 

In my opinion, Trump plans to use his “oligarchy” of rich companions to run the country in a way that mainly benefits the wealthy. By teaming up with powerful business leaders, he aims to push an agenda that prioritizes the interests of the rich, often at the expense of the broader public. This would only widen the gap between the have and have-nots, and would take away important protections for those who need them most.

“Trump’s initiative, backed by his oligarchy of tech giants, is to use DEI as a scapegoat to gut central departments of the American government that are central to the livelihood of American citizens,” said Avery Kroll, 20, the DEI director of DEI for the college’s Alpha Phi sorority.

Instead of eliminating DEI programs, leaders should work on improving them to make sure they are fair and effective for everyone. America is supposed to be about equal opportunity, and removing these programs goes against that ideology.