Trump's New HBCU Executive Order: Innovation Push Without DEI Focus

On April 23, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at HBCUs. The order aims to strengthen historically Black colleges through private-sector partnerships, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce development. Notably, it omits references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reflecting a broader shift in the administration's education policy. While no new federal funding is pledged, HBCU leaders hope the initiative signals renewed support amid recent financial challenges.