Why GSA’s anti-DEI certification is raising alarm in higher education
David Weisenfeld
May 4, 2026
Colleges that don’t sign the General Services Administration’s proposed certification could face severe penalties, including losing their federal funding.
The U.S. General Services Administration is the latest federal agency to take direct aim at diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, proposing in January that all federal funding recipients — including colleges and universities — certify their compliance with the administration’s DEI-related executive orders and guidance.
The certification language lists potential violations as awarding race-based scholarships and using “overcoming obstacles” narratives or diversity statements in hiring.
Failure to sign the certification or comply with its requirements could lead to severe penalties, including the loss of all federal funding. As a result, a host of higher ed groups have urged GSA to rescind the proposal.
