EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND HIGHER EDUCATION: THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL POLICY ON DIVERSITY INITIATIVES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Abstract

Executive Order 14151 titled "Ending Racial and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing" was passed in January of 2025. While the full extent of its implementation and its effects are unknown, looking at similar past executive orders can help to determine how an institution, such as the University of Arizona, may implement such an order. To do so Executive Order 13950 "Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping" will be used due to its similarity in content, language, and their creation by the same president. Both executive orders tackle highly controversial issues surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (henceforth referred to as DEI). As a result, an analysis and literature review are done through a historical, political, and social lens to contextualize how these two executive orders have the power to shape the implementation and treatment of diversity policies, students, staff, and faculty, specifically at the University of Arizona. Given the University of Arizona's current climate with various discussions arising surrounding DEI, an analysis is necessary to potentially predict and prepare for what the future may hold for those impacted by the altering and rescinding of diversity policies.