Toolkit: Protect Higher Education

In an effort to enforce his executive order banning DEI, President Trump is threatening to withhold federal funds from public universities and colleges that have programs respecting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This toolkit is to empower activists to better fight and protect universities from being held hostage by the Trump administration.

• Connect Trump’s Actions to Real-Life Consequences

• Frame Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs as Beneficial for Everyone

• Emphasize American Values Like Free Speech and Fairness

• Call Out Political Gamesmanship and Distraction

• Donald Trump is trying to divide us, that’s why he’s focused on silencing his opponents and punishing colleges for providing inclusive programs. His attacks on free speech are just to score political points and distract us from the real issues that matter like inflation and the cost of living.

• In America, we believe all ideas have merit and should be heard. But Donald Trump’s attack on free speech is unamerican and hurts us all. Cutting inclusive education will not lower the price of eggs but we know the truth: Trump wants to silence political opposition and censor ideas he disagrees with.

• Donald Trump is threatening to withhold hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Ohio State University unless the curriculum he disagrees with is censored.

• DEI policies create a level playing field where every individual, regardless of background, can thrive. Protecting these policies ensure every voice is heard, every opportunity is possible, and every community gets a seat at the table.

• Standing up for DEI means standing up for fairness and dignity for all people. Let’s protect policies that ensure all voices are amplified, that biases are challenged, and that every individual can succeed on their own terms.

• When we ensure that every person has the resources and opportunities to succeed, we all benefit. Protecting DEI policies means creating a society where everyone, no matter their background, can reach their full potential.

• Inclusive policies aren’t just good for people, they’re good for business and the economy. When we embrace diversity and foster equal opportunities, we unlock untapped potential, fueling economic growth and innovation. DEI policies are key to a thriving economy.

• Defend Every Student's Right to Learn

• Tell Universities: Protect free speech on campus

Protect Higher Education Content

• What Students Lose When School Becomes a Political Battleground

• 10 Books Politicians Don’t Want You to Read

• Trump campaigned as a protector of free speech. Critics say his actions as president threaten it

• What to Know About Trump’s Strategy Targeting Colleges’ Grants and Contracts

• DeWine signs Senate Bill 1, a major higher ed overhaul

• Political Attacks on Higher Education

• Sub. Senate Bill 1 - Opponent Testimony

• Senate Bill 1 - Opponent Testimony

• Stop Senate Bill 1: The Higher Education Destruction Act

• Help Stop Ohio SB 1.docx

• Ohio Senate reintroduced as Senate Bill 1

• Ohio’s Education Unions Call for Amendments to SB 1

• Ohio SB 1 messages for protest signs / social media graphics

• Stand up to Oppose Senate Bill 1, the reintroduction of SB 83!

• Stop Senate Bill 1!

• A new phase begins in Trump's battle with higher education

• “Hands off higher education”: Yale faculty rally for academic freedom

• ‘Hands Off Our Universities’ Protesters Rally Against Threats From Trump Administration

• ‘Nothing speaks like money.’ Republican Senator wants Ohio higher education funds tied to new law

• Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs higher ed bill that eliminates DEI, bans faculty strikes

• Faculty senates at at least five Big Ten universities are joining forces to stand against President Donald Trump’s ongoing attacks against higher education, and many Ohio State University faculty intend to follow suit.