The US Department of Education announced on 29/4 that it is investigating Stanford University's National Board Resource Center (NBRC) over a program designed to help aspiring teachers obtain national professional certification. The department's statement highlighted concerns that the program, in partnership with the California Teachers Association, aimed to enhance diversity among certified teachers. The California Teachers Association had previously advertised the program, noting it covered full tuition for some teachers identifying as 'Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)' to secure NBRC certification.

A section of Stanford University's campus in Stanford, California, in 2017. *Photo: Reuters*

In response, Stanford University stated that the program "is no longer accepting new teachers and is winding down." The university affirmed its compliance with legal obligations and its commitment to "maintaining an environment free from prohibited discriminatory actions." Stanford also clarified that the teaching certification program was open to "all elementary and secondary teachers, regardless of race."

This investigation aligns with a broader campaign initiated by President Donald Trump since his return to the White House, aimed at "reshaping" US higher education. His administration views certain "diversity-enhancing" activities as discriminatory, running counter to the principle of meritocracy.

Trump's efforts focus not only on reforming licensing systems, reducing federal funding, and limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, but also on controlling campus protests and restricting international student admissions. He considers DEI initiatives as reverse discrimination, creating unfairness for groups like men and white people. Last year, he signed several executive orders aimed at eliminating DEI within government and the private sector.

Conversely, civil rights advocates in the US argue that DEI initiatives help address historical injustices faced by marginalized groups such as women, the LGBT community, and ethnic minorities. The Trump administration has also threatened to freeze funding for universities over issues including DEI activities, climate initiatives, transgender policies, and pro-Palestine protests.