After President Donald Trump took office, Johns Hopkins University faced significant changes in its diversity and inclusion practices. The university’s leadership met with diversity office staff to deliver unexpected news. They announced that all diversity-related activities would require legal approval due to a controversial White House decree against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
This was troubling for many, including former senior program manager Vicki Keller, who felt her ability to work was severely hampered. “I wanted to work, but I couldn’t,” she said. This meeting marked a change for a university that historically supported faculty and student diversity. Since then, Johns Hopkins has reduced its diversity office staff from 14 to just 3 and canceled several diversity initiatives.
Amidst financial challenges, including over $1 billion in lost funding, the university has implemented hiring freezes and increased federal lobbying efforts. While the administration claims to uphold its commitment to diversity, many feel the changes tell a different story. A spokesperson stated that the university values equal opportunity and respects diverse backgrounds, but student reactions suggest a sense of disappointment and concern.
Across the country, similar shifts are observed at various universities. Many institutions that once embraced diversity initiatives are now rethinking their strategies. For instance, the University of Alabama and the University of Michigan have restructured or closed their diversity offices. Roger L. Worthington, an associate professor at the University of Maryland, comments that many past efforts were performative, aimed more at public image than genuine change.
When the Trump administration began attacking diversity programs, many universities struggled to maintain their initiatives. Angel St. Jean, co-founder of The Black Brain Trust, noted that the administration provided a pretext for halting efforts that weren’t deeply embedded in institutional culture.
Furthermore, Johns Hopkins recently introduced a new policy that prohibits considering race or ethnicity in university programs. This includes ending minority scholarships and restricting events solely for underrepresented groups. Keller highlighted the significant loss of programs that had previously aimed to improve diversity.
Minkah Makalani, a professor at Johns Hopkins, expressed disappointment over these changes, particularly regarding the halted Fannie Gaston-Johansson Faculty of Excellence program. It had helped increase minority faculty representation from 8% to 12% since its inception. The abrupt cancellation, coinciding with notable dates in civil rights history, raised concerns about the university’s commitment to diversity.
This situation reflects a broader trend in higher education. With diverse programs under threat, many academic institutions may lose sight of their commitment to equality and justice. Maintaining diversity isn’t just about compliance; it requires a foundational shift in values and practices.
For more insights on trends in diversity initiatives in education, you can refer to reports from the Higher Education Research Institute or the National Center for Education Statistics. These sources delve into the ongoing dynamics of diversity in academia.
Source link
featured-extrawide
