AI can analyze data, identify disparities, and personalize support for underrepresented students, ensuring equitable outcomes via DEI.

DEI under siege: How AI can bridge the gap in higher education


AI can analyze data, identify disparities, and personalize support for underrepresented students, ensuring equitable outcomes

Key points:

In a dramatic escalation of attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs,  Alexandra Olson and Zeke Miller reported that President Donald Trump’s administration has moved to terminate affirmative action in federal contracting and directed that all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion staff be placed on paid leave, with plans for eventual layoffs.

These sweeping directives mark a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to diversity and inclusion, heightening concerns about the broader impact on institutions, including higher education. Amid this upheaval, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a promising pathway to preserve and even enhance the core principles of DEI in academia.

What is DEI and why does it matter?

DEI encompasses practices designed to promote diversity by embracing differences across race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and other social identities; ensure equity by addressing systemic disparities; and foster inclusion by creating spaces where all voices are valued. These initiatives aim to correct historical inequities and provide opportunities for marginalized groups.  Dominique Hollins, a business leader and social justice advocate, highlights that DEI programs have roots in civil rights movements, affirmative action policies, and decades of advocacy for workplace and academic fairness.

However, critics argue that DEI programs are discriminatory, claiming they unfairly disadvantage majority groups such as White Americans and perpetuate racial divisions. Prominent voices like Christopher Rufo have labeled DEI as “state-sanctioned racism,” while Elon Musk has dismissed it as “immoral and illegal.” These criticisms have fueled legislative and executive actions targeting DEI initiatives, leading to widespread dismantling.

The attack on DEI: New directives from the Trump administration

President Trump’s recent directives underscore his administration’s commitment to eradicating DEI initiatives at the federal level. By targeting affirmative action in federal contracting and sidelining diversity staff, the administration aims to eliminate what it describes as “ideological” programs. These actions build upon existing efforts under Project 2025 and the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which seek to defund DEI programs across sectors, including education.

Dr. Ella Washington, a professor at Georgetown University, warns: “These actions are not just about policy–they are a broader attempt to undermine the values of representation and fairness that DEI embodies. Higher education, as a cornerstone of democratic society, is particularly vulnerable to these regressive measures.”

The role of AI: A new frontier for DEI

Amid these challenges, AI emerges as a transformative tool to sustain and innovate DEI efforts in higher education. With shrinking budgets and staff, AI can help institutions identify disparities, personalize support for underrepresented students, and maintain equitable outcomes even as traditional DEI structures are dismantled.

Data-driven insights for equity

John Runte, a principal with Baker Tilly’s digital solutions practice, expounded on how AI-powered analytics can help institutions identify patterns of inequity in admissions, retention, and graduation rates. Machine learning algorithms can identify disparities in academic performance among different demographic groups, enabling targeted interventions. Predictive analytics, for instance, can assist advisors in identifying at-risk students, allowing for timely and tailored support.

Inclusive curriculum design

AI can revolutionize curriculum development by analyzing syllabi for cultural biases and recommending diverse perspectives. Tools leveraging natural language processing (NLP) can assess course materials to ensure they reflect a broad range of voices and experiences. By automating these tasks, AI reduces faculty workloads while enhancing educational quality.

Accessibility and personalized learning

AI-driven platforms provide personalized learning experiences for students with disabilities, employing tools such as speech-to-text software, adaptive learning systems, and virtual tutors. These innovations not only promote inclusion but also align with DEI’s mission to create equitable opportunities for all learners.

A call to action for higher education

Higher education faces a pivotal moment. The dismantling of DEI programs represents more than a policy shift–it challenges the foundational values of fairness and representation. Yet, this moment also presents an opportunity to leverage AI in innovative and ethical ways.

Jordan Adair of Honorlock cautions: “AI clears many roadblocks to DEI, ensuring institutions exist for everyone–but it isn’t perfect. It can manage data but not nuance. It can predict academic success, but it cannot inspire learners. And it can help educators but cannot replace them.” This underscores the need for AI to complement, not replace, human-led efforts.

By thoughtfully integrating AI, institutions can bridge the gaps left by defunded DEI initiatives and set a new standard for inclusivity. The stakes are high, but the potential for transformative change is even higher. The question is not whether higher education can adapt, but whether it will choose to.

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Dr. John Johnston