University of Southern California Thursday announced it was not using the terms “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” citing “disagreements” over the phrase and its interpretation.
Instead, the university said it was “expanding” its initiative by naming its “community” to comply with the Department of Education’s federal guidance on DEI.
The department last month wrote to school districts and universities, urging them to eliminate programs that promote DEIs so they don’t risk losing federal funds. The federal agency said the DEI initiative in schools would perpetuate discrimination against race and ethnicity.
USC’s letters to students and staff acknowledged federal guidance, emphasizing “commitment to diversity in thought and background.”
“The term “Dei” has evolved to encompass so many interpretations as it is increasingly engulfed in broader cultural and political disagreements,” Andrew Guzman, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, said in a letter. “The value we place in our ‘community’ really emphasizes our commitment to maintaining a campus culture where every Trojan horse is valued, respected and supported. ”
The Department of Education also said it is investigating more than 50 universities on suspicion of racism as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on the DEI program.
The USC implemented budget cuts and staff hiring freezes this week as the Trump administration also threatened to cancel federal contracts with public universities.
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