In late 2022, a coalition of “conservative activists” and “academics” launched a concerted effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at Texas’ public universities. Allying with a former aide to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the group successfully influenced Texas legislation, leading to the removal of such programs in May.

The Claremont Institute’s Role in the Anti-DEI Movement: Central to the anti-DEI movement is the Claremont Institute, a California-based think tank with ties to the Donald Trump movement and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The group, formed roughly three years ago, aimed to eradicate “the leftist social justice revolution” by eliminating “social justice education” from American schools.

Inside the Claremont Institute’s Playbook: Obtained documents, including grant proposals, budgets, and draft reports, shed light on the Claremont Institute’s playbook. The materials revealed a “loose network of think tanks, political groups, and Republican operatives” across at least a dozen states, seeking funding from right-leaning philanthropies and family foundations.

Public vs. Private Stances on DEI Programs: Publicly, some involved in the anti-DEI effort championed “diversity of thought” and “intellectual freedom,” arguing that DEI programs made universities intolerant and narrow. However, privately, there were discussions about purging liberal ideas and professors, along with controversial views on race, sexuality, and gender roles.

Challenges and Successes of the Anti-DEI Movement: Despite marked success in Republican-dominated states like Texas and Florida, the documents indicated the activists’ struggle to gain traction with “broader swaths of voters and officials.” The movement sparked a backlash against Black Lives Matter and criticisms that programs like critical race theory had turned colleges into engines of “progressive indoctrination.”

The Continuing Spread of the Anti-DEI Campaign: In 2023, the anti-DEI campaign expanded to more than 20 states, with legislation taking aim at DEI initiatives. Polls, however, suggested that diversity initiatives remained popular, highlighting the tension between the movement and public sentiment. The Claremont Institute’s efforts underscored a determined push against perceived progressive indoctrination, revealing both public arguments for “academic freedom” and private discussions reflecting more controversial views within the movement.