Christian University Accused of Defying Trump-Era DEI Ban through Rebranding
A U.S. representative is alleging that a Christian university in his home state is violating federal law by continuing its DEI programs under a different name. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon this month asking her to investigate Belmont University, which he claims has rebranded its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs under a different name: Hope, Unity and Belonging (HUB).
Belmont is "continuing precisely the activities the Department has ordered universities to discontinue," he wrote.
President Trump signed an executive order in January targeting DEI in higher education.
"Belmont University claims to be a Christian institution grounded in Biblical principles—but its administration is injecting anti-gospel DEI ideology into its curriculum," Ogles said. "President Trump has rightly demanded that colleges and universities dismantle the DEI cartel or lose federal funding. Belmont officials, however, have been caught on camera bragging about their 'clever' scheme to rebrand DEI and continue pushing the same radical agenda under a new name."
Ogles was referencing a leaked video where a university employee allegedly is heard saying, "We're trying to create as inclusive a space as possible without attracting notice."
"This suggests that they are concealing their conduct because they know it may violate the law," Ogles wrote.
Belmont University told the Tennessean newspaper that the "university is in compliance with federal laws." Further, the university said the employee in the video was not authorized to speak on behalf of the school.
Ogles, though, said Belmont is engaged in an "intentional effort to deceive federal authorities."
"Belmont's actions demonstrate contempt for both federal law and for the taxpayers who finance higher education," Ogles said in the letter. "Without swift enforcement against such actions, more institutions may be emboldened to adopt the same shell game, undermining the Administration's efforts to restore color-blind, merit-based policies in American education. Belmont University, like all universities, must understand that if they persist in promoting racist DEI programs in violation of their students' rights, they will be defunded."
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Bloomberg/Contributor
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published July 23, 2025.
