1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

As a member and/or supporter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and your constituent, I urge you to forcefully condemn the Trump Administration’s recent actions around the dismantling of the Department of Education and targeted assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These recent actions constitute a grave assault on the fundamental principles of fairness and opportunity. These programs are not mere abstractions; they are the bedrock upon which equitable access to education and the workforce is built, particularly for historically underrepresented communities. The tangible harm inflicted by the abrupt dissolution of these programs is already evident, crippling essential government services and vital research endeavors across agencies. This disruption directly impacts not only federal employees but also the millions of Americans who rely on the services and advancements these programs facilitate. Of particular and profound concern is the dismantling of the Department of Education and targeted assault on DEI initiatives within higher education, which directly threatens the existence and vitality of historically Black fraternities and sororities—institutions that are not merely social organizations but vital pillars of Black culture, community and leadership development. Dismantling the Department of Education creates tremendous confusion and uncertainty around Pell Grants, Educational Opportunity Fund, and other student support services that are critical to the Black community. In addition, legal scholars resoundingly affirm that any attempt to dismantle these organizations would be a flagrant violation of the First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of association. These organizations are more than just student groups; they are the incubators of our nation's future civic, corporate, and governmental leaders, individuals who are demonstrably committed to driving meaningful, transformative change within our society. Their unwavering dedication to scholarship, service, and social justice highlights their crucial and enduring impact on both individual lives and broader societal progress. Therefore, I implore you to issue a forceful and unequivocal condemnation of these anti-DEI executive orders. Furthermore, I urge you to actively support and initiate any legal challenges aimed at safeguarding DEI initiatives. Consider, as a matter of urgent necessity, the temporary cessation of non-essential operations until these orders are rescinded, thereby sending an unambiguous and resolute message against this unacceptable and regressive attack on civil rights and the very fabric of our multi-racial democracy. These executive orders are not merely policy disagreements; they are a direct threat to our economic strength, our national security, and the foundational principles upon which our nation was built. Thank you.