Americans are divided over DEI programs on college campuses, poll finds

Apnews - May 15th, 2025

President Donald Trump is actively working to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices on college campuses, deeming them 'illegal' and 'immoral.' This move comes amidst a backdrop of a nation divided on the issue, as highlighted by a recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center. The poll reveals that while the term DEI is contentious, specific components such as courses on racism and scholarships for students of color garner broader support, with about 4 in 10 Americans favoring DEI initiatives and a significant portion remaining neutral.

The current political and social climate underscores the complexity of DEI's perception in America. The poll results indicate that political affiliation heavily influences perspectives, with Republicans predominantly opposing DEI programs broadly but showing less resistance to individual elements. Conversely, Democrats largely support these initiatives. The implications of Trump's actions have already been felt, with some colleges scaling back DEI-related offerings, potentially affecting minority students' sense of belonging. The ongoing debate over DEI highlights deeper societal tensions and differing views on race, equity, and the role of education in addressing historical injustices.

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RATING

8.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and balanced overview of the current state of DEI programs on college campuses, particularly in light of political actions and public opinion. It effectively uses credible sources, such as the AP-NORC poll, to support its claims and includes a range of perspectives from various stakeholders. The article is timely and relevant, addressing issues of significant public interest that have the potential to influence policy and public opinion. While the article is largely accurate and transparent, it could benefit from more detailed examples and expert analysis to enhance its depth and credibility. Overall, the article is well-written, engaging, and accessible, making it a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion about DEI policies in education.

Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its presentation of the poll results and the political context surrounding DEI programs on college campuses. It correctly reports the findings from the AP-NORC poll, such as the 4 in 10 Americans who favor DEI programs and the partisan divide in opinions. The story also accurately reflects the actions taken by former President Trump regarding DEI policies. However, the article could benefit from more detailed verification of claims about the impact on campuses, such as specific examples of colleges cutting back on DEI-related programs.

Balance

The article presents a range of perspectives on DEI programs, including viewpoints from Republicans, Democrats, and independents. It includes quotes from individuals with differing opinions, such as Robert Ayala and Stanley Roberts, providing a balanced view of the controversy. However, the article could have explored more deeply the perspectives of those directly affected by DEI policies, such as students of color, to provide a more comprehensive view.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow and structure that makes it easy to follow. The language is neutral and informative, and the use of direct quotes helps to clarify the perspectives being discussed. The article effectively communicates complex topics like DEI policies and political actions in an accessible manner.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as the AP-NORC poll, which is a well-regarded research organization. It also includes direct quotes from individuals to support its claims. However, additional expert analysis or academic sources on the impact of DEI policies could enhance the article's credibility further.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the methodology of the poll, including the sample size and margin of error. It also discloses the financial support for AP's education coverage. However, the article could have provided more context on the specific executive orders by Trump and the legal challenges they face, which would have added to its transparency.