Vanderbilt Taps Baker Donelson to Investigate Senator’s Claims of Concealed DEI Efforts
Vanderbilt University has enlisted the law firm Baker Donelson to conduct an independent review following allegations by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) that the university is concealing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs to evade federal scrutiny under President Donald Trump’s executive order to eliminate such initiatives. The controversy stems from covert recordings released by conservative outlet Townhall, which appear to show Vanderbilt employees, including Vice Provost for Student Affairs G.L. Black and staff member Janet Roberts, admitting that the university continues DEI practices under different names, such as “belonging” and “access and engagement,” to avoid detection.
Background of the Allegations
The allegations surfaced after videos captured Vanderbilt staff suggesting that DEI efforts persist despite the university’s public compliance with Trump’s January 2025 executive order, which mandates the elimination of DEI programs at federally funded institutions. Senator Blackburn, in a July 23 letter to Vanderbilt Chancellor Dr. Daniel Diermeier, expressed concern that the university is “concealing its DEI programs” by rebranding them, thus undermining compliance and public trust. The recordings, described by Vanderbilt as “covert,” prompted the university to hire Baker Donelson to investigate the circumstances and ensure employees adhere to its policies.
G.L. Black was recorded stating, “All the things that I would say are components of DEI work are part of what we do, even if we don’t label everything as DEI work.” Similarly, Janet Roberts reportedly disparaged Senator Blackburn and admitted to “flying under the radar” to avoid scrutiny, citing Vanderbilt’s reliance on federal funding. These statements have fueled accusations that Vanderbilt is deliberately sidestepping federal mandates.
Vanderbilt’s Response
On July 24, Vanderbilt issued a statement affirming its compliance with federal and state laws and announced that Baker Donelson would review the recordings to assess whether employee statements reflect university policy. The firm is tasked with identifying steps to ensure staff fully understand and follow Vanderbilt’s policies. Employees implicated in the recordings will step back from their duties during the investigation. The university has pledged to review Baker Donelson’s findings and take appropriate action.
Vanderbilt also noted that it had already removed DEI content from its websites in February 2025, replacing references with terms like “Belonging, Collaboration, and Growth,” following Trump’s anti-DEI executive order. However, critics, including Blackburn, argue that these changes are superficial, with DEI practices continuing under rebranded initiatives.
Broader Context
The Vanderbilt investigation is part of a larger scrutiny of Tennessee universities, including the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Belmont University, where similar videos surfaced. Senator Blackburn has called on all three institutions to dismantle rebranded DEI programs, warning that noncompliance could jeopardize federal funding. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has also launched an independent review and mandated compliance training, insisting that its “Access and Engagement” office, established in 2023, is not a rebranded DEI program.
Additionally, Vanderbilt is already under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for alleged race-based discrimination in its graduate programs, specifically related to its participation in The PhD Project, which supports underrepresented candidates. This probe, announced in March 2025, targets 44 other universities nationwide for potential Title VI violations.
Implications and Ongoing Debate
The controversy highlights tensions between federal policy and institutional practices, with critics arguing that universities are using semantic changes to maintain DEI initiatives in defiance of Trump’s executive order. Senator Blackburn and Congressman Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who called for a Department of Education investigation into Belmont University, contend that such actions erode educational integrity and misuse taxpayer funds.
Conversely, some students and faculty argue that limiting DEI efforts could harm inclusivity in higher education, particularly in STEM fields, where diverse representation is critical for innovation. A Vanderbilt student, speaking anonymously to The Vanderbilt Hustler, cautioned that restricting DEI initiatives risks losing talent in the STEM pipeline.
As Baker Donelson’s investigation unfolds, its findings could influence Vanderbilt’s policies and set a precedent for how universities navigate federal anti-DEI mandates. The outcome may also impact public trust and the broader debate over the role of DEI in higher education.
Sources: The Daily Wire, Tennessee Star, The Tennessean, Campus Reform, posts on X