The U.S. Department of Education quietly stepped back from enforcing a sweeping Dear Colleague letter that sought to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion programs across K–12 and higher education. The agency signed a joint motion to dismiss an appeal in litigation that had blocked the guidance; plaintiffs including the American Federation of Teachers hailed the move as a reprieve for race‑conscious student supports and campus diversity initiatives. The original letter argued that some race‑based programs unlawfully discriminated against White and Asian students and threatened federal funding penalties. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction last August, halting enforcement. With the department abandoning the appeal, institutions that had feared punitive action can expect less immediate federal enforcement of the anti‑DEI posture—though policy uncertainty remains as political debate shifts to other channels. For campus leaders, the episode underscores how litigation and courts remain pivotal to institutional autonomy and civil‑rights enforcement. Colleges should retain compliance documentation, continue community engagement around equity programs, and monitor future regulatory guidance to respond rapidly if policy winds change again.