Emory University announced Wednesday it is ending all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, pointing at the federal goverment.
Interim President Leah Ward Sears in a message to the community said the closure is due to “federal law and mandates” and that leaders will “promptly and carefully to discontinue current DEI offices and programs.”
“We live in a time of changing expectations and new requirements, however. Federal laws and mandates have been implemented that require higher education institutions to alter fundamentally or even close offices and programs focused on DEI. The standards are clear, and we must act accordingly,” the president said.
Sears said closing or reimagining these programs does not end the university’s “unwavering commitment to fairness, belonging, and opportunity for all.”
Dozens of schools have closed their DEI programs in the past few years, either due to state law, pressure from the Trump administration or simply trying to avoid President Trump’s ire.
“I’m honored to lead Emory, and I’m excited to work together as we inspire and challenge each other while making sure everyone in our community feels valued and respected. I’m confident we can follow the law while not losing sight of who we are,” Sears concluded in her message to the community.