GIA Education Report: DEI Ban Deadline, CA’s First Emergency Management Degree, and Academic WorldQuest Champions

Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva. 

The U.S. Department of Education has given schools and universities two weeks to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal funding. The directive requires institutions to remove race-based considerations in admissions, financial aid, hiring, and other areas, framing such practices as discriminatory. The move has sparked concern among educators and civil rights groups, who argue the broad language may pressure schools to dismantle diversity programs beyond what the law requires. Colleges are now assessing compliance risks and potential legal challenges as the deadline approaches.  

In other news, A new executive order signed by President Trump directs federal agencies to develop a plan to eliminate COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools and colleges, with potential funding implications for institutions that still enforce them. While most schools and states have already lifted such requirements, the order aims to fulfill a campaign pledge to block funding for institutions maintaining COVID-19 vaccine mandates. It does not impact existing state laws requiring vaccinations for diseases like measles and polio, which remain in place across the country.  

Riverside City College has been selected as one of six colleges in California to participate in the Foster Youth College Access Demonstration Project. The two-year initiative, running from Spring 2025 to Summer 2027, aims to improve college access and success for foster youth through strengthened partnerships with K-12 districts and community organizations. The $180,000 grant will support dual enrollment opportunities and provide critical resources to help foster youth transition from high school to higher education, addressing long-standing gaps in enrollment and completion rates. 

Moreno Valley College has submitted a proposal to establish California’s first public Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management. The program aims to address a growing demand for trained professionals in disaster preparedness and response, with job postings for emergency management directors projected to increase by 18% over the next decade. Developed with input from industry and academic partners, the degree would offer coursework in crisis communication, public safety finance, and disaster recovery. If approved, it would provide a new pathway for students seeking leadership roles in emergency management.  

To close this report, Seven Coachella Valley high schools competed in the 20th annual Academic WorldQuest competition on Feb. 13 at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus. Palm Desert High School took first place and will advance to the national competition on April 28. The event, sponsored by the World Affairs Council of the Desert, tested students’ knowledge on topics such as space security, global borders, and artificial intelligence. Scholarships were awarded to top-performing teams, and the competition was officially renamed the Charles and Priscilla Porter Academic WorldQuest in honor of its founders. 

And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.