A new report reveals how Ivy League universities are navigating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following a Supreme Court decision prohibiting the use of race in admissions. The Equal Protection Project, led by Cornell professor William Jacobson, examined DEI initiatives across all eight Ivy League institutions, finding potential workarounds to the court's ruling.

Students outside Goldwin Smith Hall at Cornell University.

The report, "Poison Ivies: DEI and the Downfall of the Ivy League," highlights how universities offer essay prompts that allow students to discuss their racial background, despite claiming to disregard race in admissions. This practice raises concerns about the true impact of the Supreme Court's decision.

Harkness Tower at Yale University.

Key Findings Across Ivy League Institutions

• DEI Training: Four universities mandate DEI training during student orientation, while six require it for faculty or staff.
• DEI Offices: All eight institutions have dedicated DEI offices.
• Strategic Plans: Five universities have formal strategic plans focused on DEI or anti-racism.
• Curriculum Integration: DEI or critical race theory topics are incorporated into coursework at all eight universities.
• Bias Reporting: All eight universities have systems for reporting bias incidents.

Students at Dartmouth College.

Jacobson argues that the pervasiveness of DEI ideology within these institutions suggests that race likely influences admissions decisions, despite efforts to appear compliant with the Supreme Court ruling.

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Brown University.

Examples of DEI Implementation

Brown University: All departments are required to develop multi-year DEI plans.

Columbia University: Students participate in an "Inclusion & Belonging" program during orientation.

Harvard Law School banners.

Cornell University: A student group is advocating for a new educational requirement focused on systemic racism and related themes.

Dartmouth University: A culture and identity class is mandatory for all students.

Harvard University: An Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging provides inclusive teaching training for faculty and staff.

Image related to a Princeton University class on systemic racism.

Princeton University: DEI training is required for employees, student leaders, and faculty involved in graduate admissions and hiring.

University of Pennsylvania: Cultural diversity courses are mandatory for undergraduates, with additional requirements for Wharton School students.

William Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project.

Yale University: Each school and administrative division must create a five-year DEI plan.

The Equal Protection Project's report raises questions about the future of DEI programs in higher education and their alignment with the Supreme Court's emphasis on equal protection.