1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

Higher education organizations are right to challenge President Trump's executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in academia. These orders are unconstitutional oversteps of executive power that violate the First and Fifth Amendments. They threaten academic freedom by chilling free speech on DEI topics and creating uncertainty about what is prohibited. The vague language also fails to provide fair notice of what could result in penalties, violating due process. Furthermore, Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally terminate federal grants and contracts related to equity work, as Congress controls federal spending. Eliminating DEI would undermine higher education's mission of providing accessible education to all, regardless of background. These destructive orders codify prejudices and must be struck down to protect constitutional rights on campus. We call on elected officials to uphold academic freedom by blocking enforcement of these unconstitutional executive orders.