The University of Massachusetts is the latest college to eliminate references to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from its websites, reports Boston25.
The school is reacting to edicts from President Trump that bans DEI programs from any institution receiving federal money.
There’s been some confusion about how to comply with the executive order.
UMass had originally removed the words “diversity, ethnicity and gender identity from its website, but MassMedia now reports those words have since been restored.
The school still states on its website that it seeks to be “the leading anti-racist and health-promoting public research university.”
It also denies any changes were made due to outside influence.
“Implementing and transitioning to this new office has been an ongoing process, the timing of which has not been related to external pressures,” University spokesman “Implementing and transitioning to this new office has been an ongoing process, the timing of which has not been related to external pressures,” University spokesman Dwayne Lehman said to MassMedia.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu says the city is also trying to navigate the changes directed by the White House.
“On the topic of federal funding… it was a different situation at 9:00 a.m., versus 1:00 p.m., versus 5:00 p.m. on that individual day,” Wu said to Boston25. “There’s a lot that we’re sorting through. We’re going to ensure we are following the law, do what is right, and represent the whole community.”
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