Trump repeals law preventing discrimination in schools: Racial equality in the US left 'baseless'

Suat Tekin - 12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The executive order by the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon Johnson, which prevented racial discrimination in education, has been repealed by the new US President Donald Trump.

The executive order, which was put into effect by President Johnson in 1965 to prevent race-based discrimination in schools and universities, has been abolished by Trump's order exactly 60 years later.

Johnson's order was issued to ensure that Black and non-Christian students in US schools would not be subjected to inequality. Discrimination based on race and religion had become a serious problem in the US for a long time as it hindered 'equal opportunity in education.'

36th US President Lyndon Johnson SOURCE: LBJ Library

WILL 'DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION' PROGRAMS BE TERMINATED?

Johnson, who took office following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and served as president between 1963 and 1969, had signed Executive Order 11246, which 'paved the way for affirmative action' in education to combat racism.

Since the day it came into effect, the decree had formed the basis for establishing the principles of 'diversity, equity, and inclusion.'

Within the scope of these principles, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs were established in both public and private sectors in the US. Last Tuesday, Trump had instructed government agencies to place all DEI personnel on mandatory leave.

Following Trump's decision, Elon Musk, who was appointed to head the newly formed DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), quoted a post on the X social media account of American journalist Christopher F. Rufo, which stated, 'The formula is simple. End DEI. Restore colorblind equality. Rebuild our institutions on merit, competence, and excellence,' and replied, 'Yes.'