1 month ago
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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has closed its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office as the Trump administration has continued to put pressure on such initiatives within higher education.
According to the New York Post, a university official confirmed that MIT President Sally Kornbluth shut down the school’s Community and Equity Office, also eliminating a senior administrative position within it. The move follows Kornbluth’s earlier decision to prohibit diversity statements in hiring and admissions processes.
“MIT is in the talent business. Our success depends on attracting exceptionally talented people of every background, from across the country and around the world, and making sure everyone at MIT feels welcome and supported, so they can do their best work and thrive,” Kornbluth said in a statement.
The decision comes as the Trump administration has intensified efforts to dismantle DEI programs across academia and federal agencies. After returning to office, President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at eliminating DEI initiatives in the federal government and has pushed universities to abandon race-based policies in hiring and admissions.
In March, the administration launched a civil rights investigation into MIT into allegations of race-exclusionary practices, antisemitic harassment, and sex discrimination.
“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement that warned MIT and 44 other universities. “We will not yield on this commitment.”
MIT’s decision comes as other institutions, including Harvard University, face similar pressure. Harvard has refused to eliminate its DEI programs and, as a result, has lost over $3 billion in federal funding. MIT has also experienced a financial impact from grant cuts, with the university reporting that federal grant reductions have cost the school up to $35 million.
English (US) ·