Trump’s new executive order forces the Department of Education to demand detailed admissions data from colleges and universities. The stated purpose is to verify compliance with the Supreme Court’s ban on race-based admissions. The real purpose is to search for any trace of Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) and use it to attack schools.

This is a fishing expedition. Trump’s administration is looking for ammunition to intimidate higher education and pressure institutions into costly settlements that go beyond agreements for costing hundreds of millions or dollars. If they succeed, they will also gain leverage over academic freedom and institutional decision-making.

Colleges and universities are not legally required to comply. They can refuse. But they will need public backing to stand up to the political and financial pressure that will come with saying no to the Trump administration.

If schools give in, they will set a dangerous precedent. They will open the door to deeper intrusions into their admissions processes, student records, and even classroom content. We must protect the integrity and independence of higher education from political coercion.

Click ‘START WRITING’ to sign and send a direct message to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities demanding it lead the fight and support its members nationwide in refusing to hand over admissions data now.