Rowan University has announced a major restructuring of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in response to a directive from the Trump administration requiring colleges and universities to dismantle DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding.
The public university, one of New Jersey’s most prominent, detailed the changes in a letter to its campus community, emphasizing compliance with federal law while reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity.
The reorganization comes as schools nationwide face pressure to navigate shifting legal interpretations surrounding DEI.
The Trump administration’s Feb. 14 directive, citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, requires institutions receiving federal funding to eliminate DEI programs that offer benefits based on protected classifications such as race.
Many schools have hesitated to take immediate action, awaiting potential legal challenges, but Rowan has opted to move forward with structural adjustments.
Rowan’s former Division of Inclusive Excellence, Community, and Belonging has been dismantled as part of the overhaul, and leadership has been reassigned to newly created roles.
Former Vice President Penny McPherson-Myers now heads the Division of Student Access & Pathway Programs, with other key personnel shifting to different roles under the new framework.
Meanwhile, some DEI-related web pages, including Rowan’s “diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching” page, were unavailable on Thursday and displayed 404 errors.
The university’s statement framed the restructuring as an effort to ensure compliance while maintaining a student-centered approach.
Rowan officials affirmed that the institution does not use racial preferences in admissions, hiring, or scholarships and that the review process is aimed at ensuring inclusivity for all students.
The move reflects a broader national debate over the role of DEI in education and the workforce.
Many schools have scaled back DEI programs under legal and political pressure.
Supporters say they promote belonging and equal opportunity, but critics argue they create unfair advantages based on race and gender.
As legal battles over DEI continue, Rowan’s approach may serve as a model for New Jersey state universities and others adapting to shifting policies.
