BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Western Washington University is reacting to the Trump administration’s directive to end Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

The U.S. Department of Education issued a so-called “Dear Colleague Letter” last week that declared DEI programs to be discriminatory and illegal.

The department says any schools that are found to be out of compliance with the order by the end of the February could lose federal funding.

WWU’s Chief Diversity Officer Jacqueline Hughes said in a community letter on Thursday that the university is awaiting further guidance before it considers any policy changes. Hughes noted the “Dear Colleague Letter” does not carry the force of law.

It echoes messaging from state Superintendent Chris Reykdal, who advised schools not to change their current policies or practices.

Hughes says Western already abides by state law, which prohibits public schools from considering race in admissions, hiring and contracting.