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Education Department Threatens $20B in Aid Over DEI Standards

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education pressures the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) to remove its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards, risking $20 billion in student loans and grants.
Under-Secretary Nicholas Kent warned noncompliance could trigger findings and endanger MSCHE's recognition.
The Education Department has mandated MSCHE to submit monitoring reports over the next year, following U.S. President Donald Trump's April 2025 executive order reforming accrediting agencies.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Education pressures the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) to remove its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards, risking $20 billion in student loans and grants.
Under-Secretary Nicholas Kent warned noncompliance could trigger findings and endanger MSCHE's recognition.
The Education Department has mandated MSCHE to submit monitoring reports over the next year, following U.S. President Donald Trump's April 2025 executive order reforming accrediting agencies.