We should be scared.

The recent flurry of the Trump administration’s executive orders has sent shockwaves through higher education, threatening USC values of diversity, equity and excellence. As Trojans, we must recognize how these grave policy changes might alter our diverse community, economic accessibility and research endeavors.

One of these concerning initiatives is annihilating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. The executive order “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” attempts to dismantle programs such as cultural centers, cultural dorm floors and race-based scholarships which risks unraveling decades of progress toward building diverse and equitable academic communities.

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The global nature of our University is also under attack because of policies that may make it more difficult for international students to attend USC. In January, the University urged international students to return to campus before Trump’s inauguration, anticipating travel and visa restrictions and complications. Although crackdowns haven’t been implemented yet, the government’s rhetoric may deter prospective students. 

Another administrative move threatens to disrupt research funding. Memos from the National Institutes of Health on capping indirect cost rates at 15% and temporarily suspending agency grant programs are causing a stir within our research community. These plans could derail ongoing projects, stall new ones, reduce research capacity and impact the financial standing of various departments.

New policies have also brought significant uncertainty into the realm of financial aid, education funding and grants, which will impact USC students’ ability to afford their education. A proposal to dismantle the Department of Education would potentially shift its duties to other agencies and convert education funding into block grants. This proposal could reshape higher education nationwide, affecting federal student aid, research and civil rights laws.

These executive orders have placed a shadow of uncertainty over our University and educational institutions nationwide. 

A recent email from the Office of the President highlights USC’s awareness of community concerns. The University emphasized its commitment to staying informed and in frequent contact with congressional members, state legislators and national partners. The email points out that USC received $1.35 billion in federal funding in the fiscal year 2024, underscoring the importance of a collaborative relationship with the government.

USC has also created webpages to monitor executive orders and agency memos and answer questions. I appreciate the email update, but it’s not enough. 

The University must ensure that information regarding these policy changes is widely communicated, not just buried in email inboxes. Prioritizing regular updates, public meetings and proactive communication through multiple outlets is necessary.

Moreover, the University should offer tangible resources and assistance to those affected by these policy changes. It should also increase awareness of counseling services for students grappling with the anxiety and uncertainty caused by these changes.

The assistance could include USC identifying and directly reaching out to potentially affected student populations, including international students, undocumented students and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

In terms of providing resources, USC should partner with and promote the services of immigration legal aid organizations that can support international students who may face visa complications.

While compliance with the law is essential, USC must explicitly affirm its solidarity with underrepresented groups and international students. This means clearly articulating its commitment to maintaining cultural centers, race-based scholarships, cultural dorm floors and other initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion. It must advocate for policies that support our diverse community rather than simply striving for neutrality.

The Office of the President’s email states, “USC is steadfast in our commitment to learning from our differences, supporting each other in myriad ways, and creating a sense of place and belonging vital to achieving the promise of our mission.” We should hold ourselves and the University to this sentiment.

We should indeed be scared, but not paralyzed. Instead, let this fear guide us into action. By staying informed, engaged and united, we can navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger, continuing to uphold the ideals that define USC and higher education at large.

The future of our University and the broader landscape of higher education depends on our collective response to these challenges. We must demand transparency, advocate for resources and hold USC accountable for its commitment to maintaining our beautiful and diverse community.