Presenter says federal tax code is being used to target DEI at universities and businesses

A presenter responding to a question about year-end tax planning said federal tax law is being used to shape social policy and is currently being used to target diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

"Tax law is also crucial in influencing social policy and social behavior," the presenter said, adding that "the president wants to impose more taxes on universities" and to "raise tax costs on businesses that practice DEI." The remarks came after a question about people making large year-end purchases to capture tax benefits.

The presenter framed the issue as broader than revenue generation, saying the tax code can influence behavior and institutional practices. The exchange did not include citations of specific legislation or rules, and the presenter did not identify a particular bill or statutory citation when describing the administration's approach.

No formal motions, votes or policy proposals were recorded in the discussion. The meeting record shows the exchange was explanatory and argumentative rather than a decision-producing action; there was no immediate follow-up instruction or staff directive noted in the transcript.

Because the statements about administration intent and proposed taxes were presented as the presenter's interpretation, they remain claims rather than documented policy actions in the record.