The letter, addressed to President Donald J. Trump and signed by Ted Mitchell on behalf of numerous higher education associations and accrediting bodies, expresses strong concern regarding Executive Order 13950, issued on September 22, 2020, which targets race and sex stereotyping among federal contractors and grant recipients, including colleges and universities. While reaffirming opposition to race and sex stereotyping and reiterating the educational sector's commitment to diversity and inclusion, the signatories argue that the order's content, timing, and tone have produced widespread confusion, apprehension, and operational difficulties in implementing longstanding diversity and anti-discrimination training programs. The letter notes that these programs are aligned with existing federal and state legal requirements, and warns that the order is already impeding lawful and good-faith efforts to create equitable environments in higher education.
Furthermore, the signatories contend that Executive Order 13950 imposes burdensome, unprecedented compliance requirements, introduces ambiguity and subjectivity in enforcement, and contradicts the administration's stated goal of reducing regulatory burdens. They also highlight that the order appears at odds with a 2019 executive order that advocates for open inquiry and freedom of expression on college campuses, as it could restrict speech related to race and gender. Given these concerns, the coalition of educational organizations requests the withdrawal of Executive Order 13950, citing its potential to disrupt positive diversity initiatives and generate significant administrative obstacles.
