Latest update as of 1/29/25:
The Executive Orders to eliminate government funded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs remain in effect. The federal funding freeze scheduled to go into effect on 2/3/25 will no longer happen, but there is still a possibility of future freezes.
NDSS has and will continue to closely monitor the situation, evaluating opportunities for advocacy in partnership with and in support of both the Down syndrome and broader disability communities. We will be engaging with the Administration and our legislative champions to continue to protect federally funded programs that benefit the Down syndrome community. To stay up to date on the latest advocacy opportunities, sign up for our policy newsletter and Advocacy Alerts using the link in our bio. For policy related questions, please email policy@ndss.org.
Background:
On his first day, 1/20/25, President Trump signed a series of Executive Orders aimed at eliminating government funded programs that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The Executive Orders on DEI directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review all federally funded programs to make sure they are not spending federal money to promote DEI. On 1/27/25, OMB issued a memo to pause funding for federal aid programs and asked agencies to conduct a review of their programs to ensure they are compliant with President Trump's Executive Orders. The memo issuing the pause was rescinded on 1/29/25. OMB could issue federal funding freezes in the coming weeks and months to carry out the President's Executive Orders on DEI.