She advanced DEI at her university. Her son-in-law, Vice President JD Vance, wants to end it nationwide.

As universities across the country grapple with the implications of new federal policies aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, one college administrator finds herself in a delicate position. Lakshmi Chilukuri, the provost of the University of California San Diego’s Sixth College, is also the mother-in-law of Vice President JD Vance.

Chilukuri has been actively involved in promoting diversity efforts at UCSD, including creating a pilot course on race, ethnicity, and gender in biology and medicine and serving on the university’s biological sciences diversity committee. The university’s commitment to diversity is prominently featured on its website, and Chilukuri has written about the school’s dedication to principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity.

In an undated letter posted on the Sixth College’s website, Chilukuri emphasized the school’s commitment to addressing issues of systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and anti-Asian racism, stating that the university has both an opportunity and a responsibility to address these issues.

The Trump administration, including Vice President Vance, has been actively targeting DEI programs, referring to them as “wokeness.” Vance has expressed his disdain for DEI initiatives and has applauded the administration’s efforts to scale back such programs in academia, government, and corporations.

Despite their differences on this issue, Vance expressed his love and respect for his mother-in-law, acknowledging that they may not always see eye to eye on certain issues. He emphasized Chilukuri’s qualities as a mother and grandmother and urged others to focus on her positive attributes.

The Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI programs has led to threats of investigations, lawsuits, and canceled federal funding for institutions that continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion. Many colleges and universities have been forced to reconsider their DEI initiatives in response to these threats.

UCSD, with an endowment of over $1.4 billion and receiving more than $500 million in federal research funds last fiscal year, is among the institutions that may be targeted for their DEI policies. The administration has ordered federal agencies to identify colleges with large endowments that could be at risk of investigation or lawsuits.

Despite the challenges posed by the administration’s stance on DEI, Chilukuri continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion at UCSD. Her dedication to promoting equity and embracing diversity remains unwavering, even in the face of political opposition.

As the debate over DEI programs continues to unfold, Chilukuri’s role as a college administrator and mother-in-law to Vice President Vance highlights the complexities of navigating conflicting viewpoints on this contentious issue. It remains to be seen how universities like UCSD will adapt to the changing landscape of diversity and inclusion in higher education. Professor Chilukuri and her husband, both esteemed educators, are described as classic, doting grandparents by those who know them best. Their grandson is the lucky recipient of their love and attention, which has had a profound impact on his development as a person. According to Vance, being around his grandparents has made him a better human being, as they spoil him in all the classic ways that grandparents do.

Chilukuri’s dedication to education and diversity has been a hallmark of her career at UCSD, where she has worked for decades. In 2018, she was promoted to the position of provost, a role in which she has excelled. The university’s chancellor and executive vice chancellor commended her commitment to undergraduate education, equity, and diversity, referring to her as a “creative and dynamic educator.”

Known affectionately as “Provost Chill” and “Dr. C” by her students, Chilukuri has been a driving force behind diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the school. One of her notable contributions is the development of BILD 60, a course that explores issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in relation to human biology. This class has been instrumental in fulfilling students’ DEI course requirements and has been well-received by the student body.

Chilukuri’s dedication to inclusiveness is evident in her interactions with students, both past and present. Former student Kjeld Aamodt fondly recalls the impact she had on him during his freshman year, despite being one of 500 students in her lecture. Her genuine interest in her students and commitment to making everyone feel welcomed and valued left a lasting impression on Aamodt, who now carries her teachings forward in his own life.

In a letter to incoming students, Chilukuri emphasized the importance of addressing systemic racism and the role that each individual has in shaping the college community. She highlighted the various programs and initiatives in place to promote diversity and inclusion on campus, inviting students to be part of the conversation and solution.

Chilukuri’s legacy as a champion of diversity and inclusion continues to inspire those who have had the privilege of learning from her. Her impact on students, both in the classroom and beyond, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.