A new memo from the Trump administration may undercut universities’ efforts to pursue a diverse student body, the latest move in the president’s sweeping crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives roiling Chicago-area schools. The directive, issued earlier this month, requires institutions to hand over race-based admissions data. Though the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in 2023, universities can still legally use race-neutral strategies to seek out diversity — such as adopting test-optional policies or including essay prompts about applicants’ backgrounds. But President Donald Trump’s mandate may undermine that holistic review process, potentially increasing the legal and political risks...