WashU’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion has many initiatives meant to foster greater inclusion of minorities and underrepresented groups. (Bri Nitsberg | Managing Photo Editor)

On May 7, WashU announced the formation of a University-wide committee tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and activities. The announcement emphasized that the creation of the committee is the latest step in the University’s ongoing evaluation of its DEI efforts. 

University leaders said the new committee will assess the effectiveness of current DEI programs, identify areas thought to be in need of improvement, and determine whether any initiatives should be restructured or eliminated. The announcement also noted that the committee’s work will likely lead to changes in University operations and communications, such as future updates to WashU websites. 

Some examples of WashU DEI initiatives include optional training for LGBTQ+ safe zones, support and referral services for students who have experienced bias, and cultural heritage celebrations such as Black History Month. The University also has the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, which “fosters belonging for all” according to its website.

The University’s move to review its DEI programs comes at a time when colleges and universities nationwide are facing increased scrutiny over such efforts by the Trump administration.

In January, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting DEI programs in federally funded institutions, including colleges. More recently, the Trump administration attacked private universities such as Harvard for hosting DEI-related activities like affinity group celebrations during commencement.

In response to the Trump administration’s actions, hundreds of institutions across the country have altered or scaled back their DEI policies and initiatives. Some schools have changed their DEI office names, while others, such as the University of Michigan, have eliminated their DEI programs entirely. 

Chancellor Andrew Martin, who will appoint members to the new committee, told The Source that the group will seek to determine how the University can “most effectively and efficiently achieve its community-focused goals” while also ensuring compliance with federal laws. 

The University’s announcement of the review committee offered few additional details about its operations and did not name any specific programs or activities that will be reviewed. However, it emphasized that more information about the committee, including how WashU community members can get involved, will be shared in the coming weeks. 

In the same statement in The Source, Provost Beverly Wendland emphasized the importance of evaluating WashU’s DEI approach in light of the current political climate. 

“With public attention focused on our institutions, now is a good time for us to take stock of our efforts and make sure we’re approaching this important work in a manner that will be most beneficial to our community,” Wendland said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement and creating a welcoming campus environment for everyone at WashU. In this spirit, we are open to the possibility that we may be able to make changes for the better.”  

Martin said the University remains committed to supporting WashU community members, even as it reviews its DEI programs and activities. 

“We will not waver in our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture on our campus and supporting the people who make our community exceptional,”  Martin told The Source.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of the article stated that the DEI pages on WashU’s Human Resources site and the Office of the Provost’s site had been removed. While the individual pages were taken down, both offices included links to a centralized DEI resource on their sites. Because of this, this section of the article was removed at 7:49 a.m. on May 7.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article listed a previous description of the CDI which reads as follows: “The Center for Diversity and Inclusion supports and advocates for undergraduate, graduate and professional students from underrepresented and/or marginalized populations, creates collaborative partnerships with campus and community organizations, and promotes dialogue and social change among all students.”  This article was updated at 6:00 p.m. on May 12 with the newest description of the CDI.