Ohio University has announced the postponement of its Black Alumni Reunion due to concerns over federal funding threats from the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on DEI programs. The decision comes just two days after University President Lori Gonzalez publicly supported student protests against legislation disrupting DEI initiatives.
The university referenced the Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter, which warned institutions that federal funding could be at risk if they maintain certain DEI programs. Additionally, Ohio’s pending state legislation further complicates the situation, placing many university-sponsored DEI efforts under scrutiny.
The Black Alumni Reunion is Ohio University’s second-largest alumni gathering. The event, which dates back to the 1980s, is held every three years and attracts thousands of alumni from across the world. The last reunion in September 2022 saw a massive turnout, but this year’s event was moved to an April 2025 weekend to better accommodate participants.
Now, with the postponement, many Black alumni and current students are expressing frustration and disappointment, viewing this move as yet another attack on programs and events that foster community and representation for
At the state level, Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that seeks to eliminate DEI initiatives at public universities, further complicating matters for institutions like Ohio University, Ohio State University, and Miami University, which have all faced intense scrutiny over their DEI policies.
