Clemson University announced on September 3, 2025, the disbandment of seven key advisory commissions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This decision follows mounting pressure from conservative organizations and an ongoing federal investigation into the university's DEI practices. Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, reacted to the development, stating in a social media post, > "This is an unfortunate policy choice by Clemson. So many policy choices going around …"
The commissions, which included groups such as the Accessibility Commission, the Commission on the Black Experience, the LGBTQ Commission, and the Commission on Women, were established to advise administrators on issues affecting various campus communities. University officials stated that these commissions had "successfully fulfilled their important charge," contributing to a more connected university environment. However, critics suggest the move signals a broader shift in the university's approach to DEI initiatives.
The disbandment comes shortly after the conservative Heritage Foundation, a key architect of Project 2025, criticized Clemson for allegedly disguising its DEI efforts through its Division of Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access. Furthermore, Clemson University has been under a federal investigation since March 2025 by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights regarding its participation in programs that allegedly engage in race-exclusionary practices in graduate programs. This federal scrutiny aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to curtail DEI practices in higher education.
Harmeet K. Dhillon, a prominent civil rights attorney, has consistently advocated against DEI programs, viewing them as potentially discriminatory and in conflict with free speech principles. Her role as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights places her at the forefront of the Justice Department's investigations into such university policies. The university's decision is seen by some as a response to the current political climate and federal directives concerning diversity initiatives.
The move by Clemson University reflects a national trend among higher education institutions to re-evaluate or dismantle DEI offices and programs amidst increasing political and legal challenges. While the university maintains that employees still have access to various resources promoting well-being, the elimination of these commissions marks a significant change in its formal DEI infrastructure. The long-term impact on campus diversity and inclusion efforts remains to be seen.