Trump rescinds Biden policy that infused DEI into scientific process
Trump Rescinds Biden Policy Infusing DEI into Scientific Process
Washington, D.C. – March 20, 2025
In a swift move reflecting his administration’s broader agenda, President Donald Trump has rescinded a Biden-era policy that integrated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into the scientific process across federal agencies. The action, formalized through an executive order signed on Wednesday, marks a significant rollback of efforts initiated by the previous administration to address systemic inequities in scientific research and funding.
The rescinded policy, introduced under President Joe Biden in 2021, directed agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to incorporate DEI considerations into grant evaluations, research priorities, and workforce development. Proponents argued it was a necessary step to diversify the scientific community and ensure underrepresented groups had equitable access to opportunities in STEM fields. Critics, however, including Trump and his allies, have long contended that such measures compromised meritocracy and introduced ideological bias into objective scientific inquiry.
In a statement accompanying the executive order, Trump emphasized a return to what he called “common-sense principles” in science. “The American people deserve research that’s driven by excellence and results, not political agendas,” he said. “We’re restoring integrity to the scientific process by focusing on merit and hard work—nothing else.”
The Biden policy, outlined in Executive Order 13985 (“Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government”), required federal agencies to assess and address disparities in their programs. For science, this translated into initiatives like prioritizing grant applications from institutions serving minority populations and mandating diversity training for researchers. The NSF, for instance, launched programs to boost participation from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), while the NIH adjusted peer review processes to account for applicants’ contributions to equity.
Trump’s executive order, titled “Restoring Merit-Based Science and Innovation,” explicitly revokes these DEI mandates, directing agencies to eliminate any criteria unrelated to scientific merit from funding decisions. It also calls for a review of existing grants to ensure compliance with the new directive, though details on implementation remain unclear as of Thursday morning.
Reaction to the move has been sharply divided. Conservative groups hailed it as a victory for scientific purity. “DEI in science was a Trojan horse for woke ideology,” said Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to Trump and founder of America First Legal. “This order puts the focus back where it belongs—on discovery and innovation.”
Scientists and advocacy organizations, however, expressed alarm. Dr. Maria Lopez, a biochemist and member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), warned that the rollback could exacerbate existing disparities. “Science isn’t just about who’s in the lab today—it’s about who gets the chance to be there tomorrow,” she said. “Eliminating these efforts risks leaving entire communities behind.”
Data from the NSF shows that while underrepresented minorities make up roughly 30% of the U.S. population, they account for less than 15% of the STEM workforce—a gap the Biden policy aimed to narrow. Critics of Trump’s decision argue that without intentional inclusion efforts, progress could stall.
The executive order aligns with Trump’s broader campaign promise to dismantle DEI frameworks across government, a stance that gained traction after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Earlier actions this year targeted DEI in federal hiring and contracting, with the administration framing such programs as discriminatory and inefficient.
Legal challenges are already anticipated. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) signaled it may pursue litigation, arguing that the order undermines equal opportunity and could violate federal anti-discrimination laws. “This isn’t about merit—it’s about turning back the clock on progress,” said ReNika Moore, director of the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program.
As agencies begin to adjust, the scientific community braces for uncertainty. Some researchers worry about disruptions to ongoing projects, while others question whether the shift will truly prioritize talent over politics—or simply replace one set of priorities with another. For now, Trump’s move underscores a stark ideological divide, with science as the latest battleground.
