After a presidential executive order aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures, the University of Akron has pulled funding from its longstanding 'Rethinking Race' forum, a decision that aligns the institution with federal policy changes but leaves many students and community members grappling with the implications. The executive order, issued by President Trump last month, has labeled DEI efforts as forms of institutionalized discrimination, sparking a recalibration of policies at educational institutions nationwide, including the military's West Point Academy, which announced the disbandment of student clubs related to gender and race.
As WKYC reported, the University of Akron's Senior Khtonia Ford, who was involved in organizing the previous year's series, voiced her concern saying, “We're like in an unknown territory really, and it's really unsettling,” further highlighting that "We are a predominantly white institute, so we want people to be more aware of like we have students of color, we have Black students here, and this university values us.” Grace DeWitt, the University of Akron Student Body President, expressed student sadness yet a sense of understanding toward the administrators who "have to abide by these rules and guidelines and laws." These sentiments echoed across campus, while the University's initial and updated statements reaffirmed their evaluation of future programming options despite the current cessation of funding for the 'Rethinking Race' initiative.
In a separate interview, Ohio Senator Jerry Cirino strongly supported the executive order, as News 5 Cleveland quoted him saying, "[DEI has] been destructive in Ohio's public colleges and universities. DEI is effectively institutionalized discrimination, and while some people may have had their hearts in the right place when it started, it has proven to be a destructive force." Meanwhile, students like University of Akron sophomore Skye Deluia described the cancellation as disappointing, emphasizing the importance of DEI programs as a source of support for many students.
The breadth of DEI initiatives under threat extends beyond the 'Rethinking Race' forum, touching upon numerous special observances throughout the year, including Black History Month and Pride, as detailed by a memo referenced in an ABC News report; however federal holidays remain unaffected by the pause. In response to the rapidly changing landscape of inclusion-related policies, communities have mobilized, with protests erupting in Cleveland's Willard Park, where individuals like Tori Hutchinson and John Corley decried the administration's actions, Hutchinson said in a statement obtained by News 5 Cleveland, "I'm a non-binary person and what has happened in just two weeks of Trump's presidency is intolerable,” expressing fears of regression for non-binary and trans individuals' rights.
Amidst this contentious backdrop, institutions like the University of Akron move cautiously, attempting to navigate the intersection of law, policy, and the varied needs of diverse student populations. According to a FOX8 report, University of Akron student Abbey Higginbothom captured the nuanced sentiments among peers, "I think it depends on the person. I know some people feel differently. I think it’s good to be open with people and, you know, to see how other people feel, what they think — things like that." The call for empathy and understanding rings amidst a tumultuous reevaluation of what it means to foster an inclusive environment in higher education.
