The University of Colorado has renamed its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) office as the”Office of Collaboration” as pointed out by a social media user on X attaching two photos of the University’s website.
“This is a new one. The University of Colorado has renamed its DEI office the “Office of Collaboration,” Steve McGuire posted on X.
This follows after Donald Trump’s crackdown on DEI programme after he signed an executive order assuming power on January 20, affecting various initiatives from training to minority-focused funding. The administration maintains that these programmes constitute discrimination and advocates for strictly merit-based recruitment practices.
Later, the Trump administration directed all DEI staff be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off. Departments were also asked to remove DEI-related web content and cancel DEI training and related contracts, with staff required to report any attempts to disguise such programmes within 10 days.
What is DEI?
Diversity encompasses accepting and valuing the unique characteristics each individual contributes, including their race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability and other social identity elements, according to CNN.
Equity involves ensuring fair treatment and providing equal access to opportunities for all individuals.
Inclusion refers to valuing every person’s input and establishing an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds are empowered to share their thoughts and viewpoints.
Daniel Oppong, who established The Courage Collective, a DEI advisory consultancy, explained that DEI initiatives emerged because marginalised communities historically lacked equal job opportunities and struggled to feel accepted in predominantly White corporate environments.
The Trump administration argues that DEI programmes are counterproductive and discriminatory. A statement from the White House labelled these initiatives as an “immense public waste” and claimed they create “shameful discrimination” in hiring practices.
Trump advocates for a return to “merit-based hiring,” suggesting that opportunities should be granted solely on qualifications and performance rather than factors like race, gender, or identity.
