By Evelyn Lucado
Opinion Editor
As of Feb. 28, Washington College removed all references of diversity, equity, and inclusion from its website, following the Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague” letter issued by the Department of Education, which warned that federal funding will be withheld from schools that do not comply.
The letter follows the direct and hostile attack on DEI from the Trump administration, holding both K-12 and higher education hostage. This attack on DEI is not only undermining decades of social progress, but is seemingly an attempt to sweep the real and painful history of marginalized groups in America under the rug.
WC president Dr. Mike Sosulski addressed this letter in an email to the campus community, explaining the removal of DEI statements from the College’s website.
“While many of the assertions of legality are without basis, the Department has threatened to remove all Federal funding from institutions that do not comply,” President Sosulski said. “For Washington College that means that our students would most directly be impacted through the loss of federal financial support in the form of guaranteed student loans, Pell Grants, etc.”
As the debate surrounding DEI initiatives intensifies, it is vital to acknowledge and understand the historical context that drives these initiatives and challenge the idea of meritocracy.
The argument that America must return to a “merit based system” falsely assumes that such a system existed in the first place. Disregarding clear evidence, the Trump administration is continuing to undermine years of social progress, hiding behind the false narrative that marginalized communities in America do not face discrimination.
To claim that “educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices” as the “Dear Colleague” letter does ignores the real and painful history of many marginalized communities in America, the effects of which are still felt today.
While DEI policies may have their flaws, those calling for the immediate removal of anything and everything DEI fail to recognize these efforts are imperfect solutions to deep-rooted and immensely complex issues still prevalent in America. The goal of DEI is not to favor one social group over another, as the letter claims, but is instead meant to provide an even playing field for marginalized communities that have been systemically underrepresented and underserved.
The letter also emphasizes race as the key factor in DEI initiatives, disregarding the fact that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives also play a key role in ensuring equal opportunities and protections for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, those living with disabilities, and religious communities.
Despite this, the WC community are continuing to push for the College to be an inclusive and safe learning environment for everyone.
“The ‘Dear Colleague’ letter completely undermines the mission of WC to promote inclusion, diversity, and equity on campus,” Student Government Association secretary of DEI sophomore Jireh Ray said. “It is important that students are made aware of how this letter could rid our campus of positive efforts that would set back those involved in DEI at Washington College. As SGA Secretary of DEI, it is my mission to ensure that all students will continue to have a safe and inclusive environment, no matter their identity.”
While the College’s decision to comply with the letter was made in an effort to best serve the community, it raises the question of what comes next. The removal of “DEI language” and positions does not erase the systemic barriers marginalized communities face, nor does it diminish the importance of addressing them.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Photo Caption: The Department of Education has forced Washington College to remove and restructure DEI initiatives.