K‑12 districts and higher education institutions are caught in a wave of court rulings and federal enforcement actions over DEI practices, viewpoint‑diversity demands and Title VI obligations. Recent federal rulings blocked attempts by the administration to withhold funding from districts over DEI, prompting some districts to reverse policy changes and restore equity programs amid ongoing legal uncertainty. Legal experts and former OCR attorneys brief trustees on what to expect if investigations arise, emphasizing the need for clear policies, documentation and responsive complaint procedures. The rapid regulatory shifts mean campuses must balance compliance with federal civil‑rights protections while defending academic freedom and inclusive programming. Boards and legal counsels should prepare for increased civil‑rights inquiries, ensure accurate reporting practices, and update governance protocols to manage investigations that may implicate funding, accreditation and institutional reputation.