MAE O’MALLEY / ASST. NEWS  EDITOR

One of Trump’s first executive orders that has sparked conversation nationwide is the end of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, which not only affects federal workplaces and agencies, but also universities. These programs, which originated with the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, were created to ensure that workplaces are protected environments and that they offer fair opportunities for everyone regardless of characteristics including race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities and socioeconomic status. 

The Department of Education Acting  Assistant  Secretary  of  Civil  Rights, Craig Trainor, declared on Valentine’s Day that universities will have fourteen days to comply with the new policies set forth by Trump. Universities and students are preparing to face the changes in their environment that will be created by the termination of DEI policies. 

The executive order states that its purpose is to eliminate waste of taxpayer money and discrimination against those overlooked in DEI programs. The order also claims to focus on workplace rewards and praise being based purely on individual skill and performance, rather than any other factors.

“Federal employment practices, including Federal employee performance reviews, shall reward individual initiative, skills, performance and hard work and shall not under any circumstances consider DEI or disability, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) factors, goals, policies, mandates or requirements,” the order states. 

Some students think that DEI programs are necessary for equitable environments while others think there will be no effects from the termination of DEI.

The Commons released a collective statement regarding DEI. Photo courtesy of @usdlgbtqcommons/Instagram

Trisha Dandamaraju, a  USD sophomore, explained that she does not see how the removal of DEI will impact her. 

“I have seen that companies like Target are getting a lot of criticism for pulling back on their DEI initiatives, but I just don’t understand how this really affects anything,” Dandamaraju said. “I had never even heard of DEI before this executive order so is it really that big of a deal?” 

Like Dandamaraju, some students have not heard of DEI before and do not understand the meaning of the programs. DEI impacts college campuses as it aims to foster inclusive environments for students and faculty alike. Students are offered broad perspectives from people of diverse backgrounds at universities, and DEI ensures that these perspectives are heard from and not suppressed. 

Additionally, DEI aims to prevent discrimination and enhance minority voices. USD’s mission, vision and values statement states the University’s own commitment to human dignity for all people and a dedication to compassionate service. Once she understood the impact DEI has on universities, Dandamaraju’s opinion changed. 

“This definitely sounds like a big deal,” Dandamaraju stated. “Now I am wondering, how was it even possible that programs like this could be eliminated? I guess I was thinking if DEI could end then it couldn’t be that important, but this is crazy that something like this could be taken away.” 

DEI mandates and programs will be terminated on the federal level with the help of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Attorney General. Workplace policies will be reviewed to ensure that they are not violating the policies of this executive order. Additionally, positions such as “Chief Diversity Officer” will be eliminated from government agencies. 

Other     students    understand  DEI to be a necessary implementation in any environment   that consists  of people working together. Kylie Huynh, a USD sophomore, believes that DEI is beneficial to her own learning. 

“I feel like DEI is really important in regards to something like students having access to accommodations,” Huynh commented.   “It’s not  that someone without accommodations isn’t being supported, but now their classmates have the same opportunities to do well. I feel like you need that in any workplace or classroom.”  

The USD Commons provides resources for different groups of students at USD. The organizations released a joint statement on their Instagram in regards to their commitment to continue the practice of inclusivity for all students. 

Students often assemble at the Black Student Resource Commons. Shannen Swars/The USD Vista

“The Black Student Resource Commons, LGBTQ+ & Allies Commons and Women’s Commons remain committed to serving diverse and marginalized students at USD despite executive orders and increased criticism of Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) work,” the post stated. “Our work is aligned with the Catholic values of USD, which include honoring the dignity of every human and ethical, compassionate service to our community.” 

Some students involved on campus acknowledge the importance of resource centers and clubs for minority students. Jordan Libunao, senior at USD and president of the Black Student Union (BSU), weighed in on the need for these assets and how to support peers who could be affected by new DEI standards. 

“I think that without the BSRC and without the BSU, honestly, I think I would have transferred just because it’s a very isolating environment to be at a [primarily white institute (PWI)] and being a minority,” Libunao commented. “I just think that everybody should do their best and try their best to educate themselves on the black and brown experience, especially at PWIs… also just, like, tap in, with black and brown students and ask them genuinely how they’re doing… It’s a lot to hear that, like, your organization and something that you belong to could potentially be taken away due to our president.” 

USD’s own DEI statement states that one of the primary missions of the University is to foster inclusivity and learn from diversity. 

“USD remains firmly committed to its mission, vision and core values,” the University commented. “As a Catholic university, human dignity and inclusive excellence are core to our identity and remain broadly represented on campus through programs, resources and experiences that ensure all members of our University community are able to thrive in every dimension of their lives.”

DEI continues to be a source of potential   fear for  some  as the  DOE’s deadline approaches on Feb. 28.

The Women’s Commons displayed a mural in their office. Jackie Marquez/The USD Vista