Landry Pushes Expanded Federal Probe of DEI Policies as Black Lawmakers Cite Uneven Impact on Black Students
The request would expand an ongoing review by the department’s Office for Civil Rights into the Louisiana Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public higher education system.
BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry has asked the U.S. Department of Education to broaden a federal civil rights investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, seeking scrutiny of every public college and university in Louisiana.
The request would expand an ongoing review by the department’s Office for Civil Rights into the Louisiana Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public higher education system. The investigation focuses on whether the board’s Master Plan for higher education violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by permitting racially exclusionary practices.
According to public budget documents, the Board of Regents included performance objectives in the 2021–2022 and 2025–2026 fiscal years directing institutions to prioritize students of “all races other than white [and] Asian.” Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in education programs receiving federal funding.
In a letter to Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey, Landry reiterated his long-standing opposition to DEI initiatives, writing that his administration seeks to eliminate DEI positions and performance requirements across state agencies, boards, and commissions. In a public statement, Landry said Louisiana is “done with woke DEI policies,” adding that discrimination against any student would not be tolerated.
The governor’s action comes amid growing national debate over whether DEI programs, as implemented, have delivered meaningful benefits to the groups they were originally intended to support — particularly Black students and professionals. Numerous studies and workplace analyses have found that while DEI initiatives often improve institutional culture, the most measurable gains in leadership, hiring, and advancement have frequently accrued to white women. In contrast, Black representation in senior roles and leadership pipelines has lagged.
That disparity has fueled skepticism within Black communities about whether broad DEI frameworks adequately address longstanding racial inequities in education and access, especially in Southern states with deep histories of segregation and underfunded Black institutions.
Members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus sharply criticized the broader push against DEI, warning that eliminating race-conscious policies without addressing structural barriers could further disadvantage Black students. Democratic Rep. Candace Newell described the legislation tied to the governor’s efforts as “the most racially offensive piece of legislation” she has debated during her tenure.
Higher education leaders have said they will cooperate with federal authorities if the investigation is expanded. The LSU System confirmed it would comply with any review. System President Wade Rousse said the university system intends to remain compliant with all state and federal laws and is prepared to cooperate fully.
If approved, the expanded investigation would place every public college and university in Louisiana under federal review, a move likely to have far-reaching implications for enrollment practices, institutional accountability, and the future of race-conscious policies in higher education — particularly for Black students seeking equitable access in a system still shaped by historic disparities.
