Conservative voices urge UK government to follow Trump’s lead in cutting diversity programs and reining in political bias at British universities

There’s growing debate in the UK about whether the government should adopt some of the same measures that US President Donald Trump has implemented to curb what he calls “liberal overreach” at universities.

Trump’s administration has taken drastic steps to push back against what it sees as excessive political correctness and ideological bias in American higher education.

His controversial approach has sparked calls for similar action in the UK, particularly concerning diversity and inclusion programs and their cost to taxpayers.

Trump’s Influence on US Universities

In the US, Trump has made a significant impact by targeting universities that promote what he terms “left-wing” ideologies, especially through the funding of programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI).

In one of the most publicized moves, Trump’s administration slashed funding to universities such as Harvard University, citing their failure to crack down on anti-Semitism and civil rights violations.

His administration has demanded that institutions eliminate EDI initiatives and freeze funding if they continue these practices.

These actions have been hailed by some as a necessary step to restore balance and reduce wasteful spending in higher education.

Calls for Action in the UK

In the UK, ministers are now being urged to adopt a similar approach.

Proponents argue that the country could benefit from reducing spending on EDI programs that they believe do little to improve education outcomes.

Joanna Marchong from the TaxPayers’ Alliance criticized the spending of taxpayer money on what she calls “virtue-signaling” roles within universities.

She suggests that Britain could learn from Trump’s more conservative stance on these matters, saving resources while ensuring universities focus on academic merit and education rather than political agendas.

Reem Ibrahim from the Institute of Economic Affairs echoed these sentiments, stating that the UK should take steps to avoid funding programs that prioritize certain groups over others, claiming this could result in reverse discrimination.

Some believe that if universities were less influenced by government funding and more reliant on market forces, it could lead to a more competitive and neutral academic environment.

The Cost of EDI Programs in UK Universities

The financial impact of EDI initiatives in the UK has come under scrutiny.

Recent reports show that the cost of EDI-related salaries in British universities has more than doubled in the past three years, now standing at a staggering £28 million per year.

Universities are employing hundreds of staff to oversee these programs, with some, like the University of Oxford, spending millions annually.

Critics argue that this money could be better spent elsewhere to improve the quality of education rather than funding what they see as non-essential roles.

The US Anti-EDI Policies and Their Impact

The Trump administration’s push against EDI programs has not been without controversy.

The Department of Education has been scrutinizing universities across the US, investigating their compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

The administration has made it clear that universities failing to prevent anti-Semitism or other forms of discrimination could face severe consequences, including the loss of federal funding.

Notably, the Trump administration cut $400 million in grants to Columbia University, which had been criticized for failing to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.

This has led to further calls for stricter accountability and transparency from universities.

Is the UK Ready for These Changes?

In the UK, right-wing figures such as Reem Ibrahim and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch have voiced concerns over what they see as a growing trend of political bias in higher education.

Badenoch has previously criticized university lecturers for allegedly marking down Conservative students, suggesting that political beliefs may be influencing academic assessments.

The rise of “woke” ideologies and the increasing presence of DEI policies in British universities are fueling the debate over whether the UK should follow the US’s lead and take a more hardline approach to university funding and curriculum.

However, some experts warn against replicating the US model in the UK.

Tim Soutphommasane, a diversity officer at the University of Oxford, cautioned against allowing the political culture wars to seep into British higher education.

He argued that the UK and the US are different contexts and that the UK should avoid adopting policies that could undermine academic freedom and the educational experience.

There are also concerns that such policies could have unintended consequences, including potentially attracting students and staff from the US who may no longer feel comfortable in the American academic environment.

The Future of University Funding and Free Speech

The debate over university funding and free speech continues to evolve in the UK.

There are already legal frameworks in place to protect free speech on campuses, with new laws being introduced to further strengthen these protections.

Critics of the Trump-inspired reforms argue that the UK should not emulate the US’s approach, as it could damage a system that contributes significantly to the national economy.

Universities in the UK are responsible for a large portion of economic activity, and cutting funding or introducing stringent ideological restrictions could have far-reaching effects on their operation and reputation.

Ultimately, while the UK may look to the US for lessons in reducing wasteful spending in universities, it will need to consider its unique cultural and political context before adopting any drastic measures.

The question remains: Should the UK follow in Trump’s footsteps, or find its own path to addressing concerns over ideological overreach in higher education?