The Unify section is launching a brand new column focused on key updates from the current American administration that impact diversity and marginalized communities. We aim to not only inform but also empower the DU community to engage with the national discourse because understanding the policies shaping our world is the first step toward creating lasting change.
Trump bans transgender women from competing in women’s sports
On Feb. 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” aiming to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports. The order directs federal agencies and state attorneys general to enforce this prohibition, impacting transgender athletes across various levels of competition.
In response, the NCAA announced it would comply with the executive order, implementing a policy that limits college competitions in women’s sports to athletes assigned female at birth, effective immediately. This executive order is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to address cultural issues, including redefining gender definitions and restricting gender-affirming care for minors.
These actions have sparked both support and opposition, marking significant shifts in federal policies related to gender and sports.
Local: Trump issues executive order banning transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports (Denver 7)
National: Trump delivered on his promise to order a ban on transgender female athletes. What’s next? (AP News)
What other campuses have to say: NCAA Bars Transgender Women From Competing In Women’s Sports Following Trump Executive Order (The Harvard Crimson)
Executive bans on DEI policies
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” effectively terminating all federal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This directive mandates the closure of DEI offices and prohibits the promotion of “divisive concepts” related to race and gender in federal training and operations. The administration argues that such programs undermine merit-based advancement and cohesion among service members.
Local: CU, CSU instruct researchers to resume federally funded projects – including DEI work – after Trump’s directive block (The Denver Post)
National: Trump’s DEI order leaves academic researchers fearful of political influence over grants (AP News)
What other campuses have to say: The quiet exclusion: How the loss of diversity in diplomacy imperils the future (The Stanford Daily)
The attack on environmental justice
There have been significant shifts in environmental justice policies with key actions including the rescinding of Executive Order 12898, which previously directed federal agencies to address environmental risks in low-income and minority communities, effectively reducing the federal government’s focus on environmental justice.
Additionally, policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics, like the ban on plastic straws, are being reversed, signaling a departure from sustainability efforts initiated by previous administrations. These actions reflect a broader trend of de-prioritizing environmental justice and federal climate initiatives.
Local: Trump orders fuel new uncertainty around Colorado climate and infrastructure projects. Here’s what we know (Colorado Public Radio)
National: E.P.A. Workers Who Assist Heavily Polluted Communities Are Put on Leave (The New York Times)
What other college campuses have to say: UT climate researchers, policy experts anticipate effects of Trump’s environmental policies (The Daily Texan)
Take Action:
Get involved with local organizations:
- Transgender Center of the Rockies provides information on organizations across Colorado that offer support and resources for transgender and gender-variant individuals. Check out their page for more information.
- Groundwork Denver partners with communities across Metro Denver to improve the physical environment and promote health and well-being. Check out their page for ways to get involved.
At DU:
- Join the Climate Cafe on Wednesday, Feb. 12, and check out their Crimson Connect page for details.
