The U.S. Department of Education escalated enforcement around diversity, equity and inclusion rules this week, sending formal letters to two accrediting agencies that it says have DEI standards in potential conflict with federal civil‑rights law. Under Secretary Nicholas Kent directed the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education to rescind or formally eliminate suspended DEI standards and to submit monitoring reports over the next year. Kent’s letters warn the agencies that the Education Department could withdraw recognition if they enforce suspended DEI language before formally rescinding it. The move amplifies the Trump administration’s broader push to limit race‑conscious and related diversity requirements across federally connected higher‑education functions. Colleges and accrediting bodies will now face increased regulatory scrutiny and a requirement to document compliance steps to avoid loss of federal recognition.