MIT President Shuts Down University’s DEI Office as Trump Admin Investigates Alleged Racial Discrimination

Following an extensive evaluation, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been closed, coinciding with efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to address such practices. President Sally Kornbluth made the decision to shut down the Community and Equity Office, as reported by the New York Post.

Kornbluth emphasized MIT’s focus on attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to ensure everyone feels supported and can excel in their work. The closure of the DEI office at MIT came after an 18-month assessment, a university spokesperson informed Fox News. In addition, a leading staff member from the office will be let go.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration was investigating MIT for alleged racial discrimination, which intensified a Title VI investigation into reports of antisemitic harassment and sex discrimination on campus, according to Education Secretary Linda McMahon. McMahon stressed the importance of evaluating students based on their merit and accomplishments, not their skin color.

In May 2024, MIT announced that faculty candidates would no longer be required to submit diversity statements with their applications, reversing a previous practice of inquiring how candidates would contribute to the school’s diversity commitment. Trump’s executive order in January halted DEI initiatives in the federal workforce, contracting, and spending, citing concerns that such practices hinder progress towards a colorblind and competence-based work environment.

The closure of MIT’s DEI office aligns with Trump’s clash with Harvard University, which faced federal funding cuts for refusing to eliminate DEI programs. Kornbluth, along with two other university presidents, notably declined to acknowledge that advocating for the genocide of Jews violates their schools’ code of conduct, as reported by Breitbart News. Subsequently, the other presidents resigned from their positions, while Kornbluth managed to avoid similar repercussions.