The Virginia Community College System's State Board recently passed a resolution responding to President Donald Trump's executive order targeting DEI programs, which were originally established to address historical inequities and discrimination that have traditionally limited opportunities for minorities and women in higher education.
According to the March 20 resolution, the directive impacts numerous operational areas including admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, administrative support, discipline, and graduation ceremonies.
The Trump Administration has issued warnings to colleges and universities nationwide that continuing race-based decision-making could jeopardize federal funding—a critical resource many institutions depend on for Pell Grants and federal student loan programs.
"Adopting a resolution to affirm our values and compliance with recent guidance on discrimination and merit-based opportunity and amending language in our policies and strategic plan are critical necessary actions to ensure federal funding for Virginia's Community Colleges is not compromised," said VCCS State Board Chair Terri Thompson.
The resolution further directs Virginia's community colleges to avoid implementing workarounds to the new regulations and to terminate relationships with third-party organizations that assist in facilitating race-conscious policies.
The board's decision has prompted several revisions to the system's strategic plan, including the elimination of a goal to increase full-time faculty and staff diversity by 5% by 2030. Additionally, the system's advisory council previously focused on "diversity, equity, inclusion and culture" has been renamed to emphasize a "culture of care and success."
