Columbia University is implementing significant changes to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and hiring practices, announcing it "will not maintain programs that promote unlawful efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion and will not take race, color, sex or national origin into account in hiring decisions." This policy shift, highlighted in a recent statement by Richard H. Ebright, comes amidst increasing federal scrutiny and mandates impacting higher education institutions.The university's adjustments are a direct response to federal pressure, including executive orders issued by the Trump administration in early 2025 that specifically targeted DEI initiatives in federally funded institutions. These directives have prompted universities nationwide to re-evaluate their existing DEI frameworks and compliance measures.As part of these changes, Columbia has reportedly removed specific DEI policy language from several of its official websites and modified its hiring processes. This includes the elimination of mandatory DEI statements previously required in faculty hiring, aiming to align with the new federal guidelines and avoid efforts deemed "unlawful."The policy alterations are also linked to ongoing regulatory pressures, with reports indicating Columbia faces potential multimillion-dollar settlements and threats to its accreditation. These pressures, partly stemming from investigations into the university's handling of campus issues, underscore the financial and operational implications of non-compliance with federal directives.Columbia's move reflects a broader trend within higher education, where institutions are navigating a complex landscape of legal challenges and political demands concerning DEI. While the university has historically affirmed its commitment to fostering a diverse environment, these recent actions signal a significant reorientation of its approach to inclusion and equity initiatives in response to the evolving regulatory landscape.