Black Fraternities & Sororities Under Fire as Trump’s Anti-DEI Agenda Threatens Their Future

WASHINGTON, DC – The rich legacy of Black fraternities and sororities, which have long served as pillars of leadership, scholarship, and service within the Black community, may be at risk under Donald Trump’s escalating attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education.

As the Department of Education moves to expand the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action, there are growing concerns that historically Black Greek-letter organizations, along with other cultural student groups, could be targeted under the administration’s push for so-called “race neutrality” in federally funded institutions.

Divine Nine & Other Black Organizations Face Uncertain Future

The Divine Nine, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), was established in 1930 as a safe space for Black students at a time when they were excluded from white Greek-letter organizations. For nearly a century, these fraternities and sororities have provided a sense of belonging, professional networking, and community engagement for Black college students across the country.

Now, the Trump administration’s interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative action ban could extend far beyond admissions—impacting student-led organizations, scholarships, cultural graduation ceremonies, and campus-wide DEI programs.

At her Senate confirmation hearing last week, Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon refused to clarify whether Black fraternities, sororities, or other race-based student organizations would remain protected under the Department of Education’s new policies.

“There is legitimate concern that the new administration may seek to restrict student organizations…and perhaps even fraternities and sororities with a nondiscriminatory focus on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and other cultural identities,” said Paulette Granberry Russell, President and CEO of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).

A Direct Threat to Black Greek Life?

Following the confirmation hearing, the Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter (DCL) ordering colleges to comply with Trump’s DEI ban within 14 days. While the letter does not explicitly name NPHC organizations, it broadly applies the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling to all aspects of college life, stating:

“If an educational institution treats a person of one race differently than another because of that person’s race, the educational institution violates the law.”

This vague and sweeping language has sparked fears that Black fraternities and sororities—which historically cater to Black students but are not exclusive—could be scrutinized, defunded, or outright banned at publicly funded universities.

The Fight to Protect Black Greek Organizations

Legal experts argue that attempts to dismantle Black fraternities and sororities would violate First Amendment protections of free association and would likely face strong legal challenges.

“I am concerned that the Trump administration could target student organizations that are racial affinity groups,” said Marybeth Gasman, Executive Director of Rutgers University’s Center for Minority Serving Institutions.

“They will claim they are enforcing ‘race neutrality’—which makes no sense. Legal precedent strongly protects the right of free association…meaning that any attempts to end these organizations would end up in court.”

What’s Next?

The NADOHE has already sued Trump over his executive order banning DEI in federal agencies, and higher education leaders are bracing for further legal battles if the administration follows through on threats to strip funding from universities found to be in violation of its anti-DEI stance.

Black Greek-letter organizations have played an indispensable role in shaping Black leadership, culture, and activism—from the Civil Rights Movement to today’s political and business leaders. If the Trump administration attempts to erode the rights of Black fraternities and sororities, it could ignite a major legal and political fight over the future of Black student life on college campuses.

With NPHC members and supporters spanning generations, the battle to protect Black Greek life is just beginning.