WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has issued letters to the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, and Belmont University following the release of undercover video footage showing staff allegedly admitting to rebranding and concealing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in apparent defiance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order banning such initiatives at federally funded institutions. Hear what Senator Blackburn said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in TN (5.23 min): 

In the case of Belmont University, the footage also allegedly captures a staff member admitting that the school knowingly conceals the presence of undocumented students on campus.

“These leaked videos reveal disturbing attempts by taxpayer-funded institutions to circumvent executive actions and continue promoting harmful, divisive DEI agendas,” Blackburn stated. “It’s unacceptable for universities to blatantly ignore federal directives and misuse taxpayer dollars under false pretenses.”

University of Tennessee – “Fully Committed” to DEI Despite Legal Restrictions

In her letter to the University of Tennessee, Blackburn references a video in which a UTK staff member states, “[They have] been fully committed to the work of DEI.” The same staffer explains that DEI committees formed in 2020 are “still up and running” and that the university is navigating the language of DEI-related legislation to “ensure that DEI is protected.”

“This raises serious concerns about institutional transparency and compliance with federal law,” Blackburn wrote. Full UT letter ➤

Vanderbilt University – “Naming Has Changed” to Avoid Scrutiny

Blackburn also targeted Vanderbilt University after video footage allegedly showed employees discussing how DEI programs were merely renamed. One employee reportedly said, “Different universities were under investigation for their DEI practices… so that’s why I think the naming has changed… we have things that clue people in and let people know.” When asked directly if DEI efforts were ongoing, the employee answered affirmatively.

In the same footage, another employee allegedly expressed overt political bias, prompting Blackburn to question whether ideological views are being imposed on students by activist staff.

“These deceptive practices indicate willful defiance and must be addressed immediately,” Blackburn wrote. Full Vanderbilt letter ➤

Belmont University – Staffer Admits to Harboring Undocumented Students and Concealing DEI

The most serious allegations involve Belmont University, where a staffer allegedly admitted both to hiding undocumented students and continuing DEI programming under alternate labels.

“We always try to just adapt to what’s happening around us, but that does not mean, like, what we’re focusing on completely stops, we definitely have to navigate very carefully and just cautiously,” the Belmont staffer says in the video.

Later, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, the employee reportedly states, “We do have undocumented students here,” and, “We don’t communicate to anybody externally who is undocumented.”

In her letter, Blackburn emphasized, “This administration has been very clear: postsecondary education programs funded by the federal government should benefit American citizens—not illegal aliens.” Full Belmont letter ➤

Blackburn’s office has demanded formal responses from each university and stated that further action may follow pending their replies. The senator’s investigation highlights growing national debate over the future of DEI programs in higher education and the legal obligations of universities receiving federal funds.