Federal agencies begin removing DEI guidance from websites in Trump crackdown

WASHINGTON — Several federal agencies have begun removing resources for underrepresented Americans from their webpages following President Donald Trump’s executive order cracking down on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Agencies also have been cancelling training and service contacts to comply with the order from Trump, who vowed to dismantle diversity programs across the federal government. The pages that were taken down include “Resources for LGBTQI+ Students,” another page that had an overview of civil rights laws related to “Race, Color, or National Origin Discrimination,” and guidance titled “Avoid the Discriminatory Use of Artificial Intelligence.” An Education Department statement said the deleted pages “encouraged schools and institutions of higher education to promote or endorse harmful ideological programs.” The now-dissolved Education Department bodies include the Diversity & Inclusion Council, established under President Barack Obama, and the Employee Engagement Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Council, which had been housed under its Office for Civil Rights. According to a snapshot of the plan’s former webpage, the initiative intended in part to improve college access, affordability and completion for underserved students, advance equity in career and technical education, and increase mental health resources, particularly among disadvantaged.