Why Duke Became a Target Despite Rolling Back Diversity Efforts
Duke University has spent the past two years quietly scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in response to political pressure and shifting public opinion. Yet, in a twist that stunned campus leaders, the Trump administration recently singled out Duke for scrutiny—highlighting how past associations can haunt institutions long after policy changes.
The Irony of the Attack
Despite reducing DEI staffing by 40%, eliminating mandatory training, and shuttering several identity-based initiatives, Duke found itself named in a 2025 Department of Education review targeting elite universities for “ideological noncompliance.” The reason? Its connection to Stephen Miller—a top Trump White House aide and one of the administration’s fiercest critics of higher education.
- Stephen Miller’s Ties: Duke Class of 2007; wrote scathing op-eds about the school while a student
- Recent DEI Cuts: $2.1M budget reduction, 12 staff layoffs, end of bias-response team
- Trump Admin Action: Subpoenaed Duke’s DEI spending records in August 2025
- University Response: “We comply with all laws and remain committed to open inquiry”
Infographic: Duke’s DEI Rollback Timeline
| Year | Action | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Eliminated mandatory DEI training for faculty | Post-SCOTUS affirmative action ruling |
| 2024 | Closed Office of Institutional Equity’s outreach arm | Budget realignment amid donor pressure |
| Early 2025 | Reduced DEI staff from 30 to 18 | Part of university-wide cost-cutting |
| August 2025 | Subpoenaed by Trump administration | Despite having “no active DEI mandates” |
Stephen Miller: The Duke Alumnus Who Turned on His Alma Mater
As a student, Miller wrote columns for The Duke Chronicle condemning “political correctness” and “leftist indoctrination.” After joining the Trump White House as senior advisor for policy, he became a leading architect of immigration restrictions and a vocal opponent of campus diversity efforts nationwide.
“He never forgave Duke for what he saw as ideological betrayal,” said Dr. Lena Cho, a political science professor at UNC. “Now, he’s using federal power to settle old scores.”
Visual: Duke University Campus
Broader Implications for Higher Ed
Duke is not alone. Over 30 universities have faced federal inquiries under the revived “Campus Accountability Initiative” launched by Trump’s Education Secretary in 2025. But Duke’s case stands out because it had already complied with many conservative demands.
“This isn’t about current policy—it’s about symbolism,” said Jonathan Epstein, a higher education policy analyst. “Duke represents elite academia to people like Miller. That’s enough.”
Student and Faculty Reactions
- Student Government passed a resolution condemning “politically motivated investigations”
- Faculty Senate warned of “chilling effects on academic freedom”
- Alumni donors split—some praised DEI cuts, others called the subpoena “bullying”
Meanwhile, Duke continues to walk a tightrope—balancing compliance, reputation, and the legacy of a controversial graduate who now wields federal power.
