Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry
In a letter dated Feb. 23, 2026, addressed to Kimberly Richey, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Landry said he welcomed the federal government's scrutiny of Louisiana's higher education system and pledged his administration's full cooperation.
"Louisiana is done with woke DEI policies. Discrimination against ANY student will not be tolerated," Landry said. "This issue began under the previous administration, and we are fixing it. That is why I've formally requested that the investigation be expanded to EVERY public higher education institution in Louisiana. If there are violations of federal law anywhere in our system, we want them corrected."
The OCR opened its investigation — Case Number 07268901 — following a Feb. 13, 2026, letter to the Louisiana Board of Regents regarding its Master Plan for Higher Education. Federal officials informed the Board that the agency was investigating whether the Master Plan discriminates against white and Asian students in recruitment and enrollment.
In his letter, Landry said his administration has been committed since taking office to eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion positions and performance requirements for state employees, boards, and commissions. He characterized DEI policies as harmful and said Louisiana welcomed federal efforts "to root out remnants of that practice in our state."
The governor's request signals an aggressive alignment with the Trump administration's broader national campaign to dismantle DEI programs at colleges and universities receiving federal funding.
The Louisiana Board of Regents, which oversees public higher education in the state, had not issued a public response to the governor's letter as of press time.
