Watch CBS News

DEI language removed from Northeastern University website in wake of Trump executive order

Northeastern University eliminates DEI website
Northeastern University eliminates DEI website 01:50

BOSTON - Days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order striking down federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programming, Northeastern University in Boston followed suit on its own website, leaving some students concerned.

Northeastern officials scrubbed all language regarding DEI from its website at the end of January.  

Northeastern changes DEI website

Several students told WBZ-TV they have concerns over the removal of DEI language.

"Honestly, I just feel disappointed," student Caleb Lee said.

"I think my initial reaction was just like, what's the point?" another student said.

When you go to search the original URL for the school's DEI office, you're automatically redirected to a new web page called "Belonging at Northeastern."

"It makes me feel concerned because one of the pillars of Northeastern is its diversity and being so open and inviting of it," student Alyssa Fudge said. "It's one of the reasons I went here."

Risk of losing federal funding

Sonel Cutler, a student journalist at Northeastern, said some students understand why the school made the move, arguing the school is protecting itself from losing federal funding.

"But I've also heard students who understand why this is happening because if Northeastern were to keep this website up, that puts them at risk of losing thousands and thousands of dollars," Cutler said.

The move could spare Northeastern from a federal DEI investigation, as mandated for universities with endowments of more than $1 billion.

A spokesperson for Northeastern released a statement saying, "Northeastern's commitment to embracing our entire global community remains steadfast. While internal structures and approaches may need to be adjusted, the university's core values don't change. We believe that embracing our differences — and building a community of belonging — makes Northeastern stronger." 

Dismantling DEI programs 

President Trump has made dismantling DEI programs one of his main projects since taking office earlier this month, saying he wants decisions to be based on merit instead. 

Companies like Target, Walmart and Ford have ended their DEI programs in the past few months, though a majority of Costco shareholders have voted against the company doing so.

In the wake of a deadly plane and helicopter collision near Washington, D.C. that killed dozens of people last week, Mr. Trump blamed the crash on DEI initiatives in the Federal Aviation Administration without evidence.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.