By Brendalis Puig
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs have been an essential element in fostering inclusivity and addressing systematic disparities across different areas, from education to corporate environments. Since eff orts have taken a regressive turn with President Donald Trump’s orders to eliminate these initiatives completely, should Barry students be concerned?
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” The order directed the immediate termination of all DEI policies and activities within federal agencies.
Trump also signed Executive Order 14172, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” on Jan. 21, 2025, which prohibits private organizations from applying DEI frameworks in positions with federal contracts.
Lizbeth Viera, a junior majoring in public relations and advertising, weighed in on the termination of DEI policies.
"It’s outrageous because it affects more than half the country’s population. This country was originally built for white men— not even white women,” said Viera. “DEI has opened doors for women, allowing us into the workforce, the military, and more. Eliminating DEI doesn’t just harm minorities like Hispanics, Blacks, and Native Americans—it also affects women.”
After signing the executive orders, federal DEI and accessibility workers were placed on paid administrative leave. According to a memo obtained by NBC News on Jan. 28, the Defense Intelligence Agency mandated the suspension of all events related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth, LGBTQ Pride Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and many other commemorations to follow Trump’s executive order.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida was one of the first state leaders to take action against DEI programs. DeSantis views DEI initiatives as a form of discrimination. In May 2023, he signed a bill banning the state’s public colleges and universities from spending money on DEI programs.
As reported by DEI experts and industry leaders interviewed by CNN, DEI jobs are highly misunderstood and were created because marginalized groups have not always experienced equal access to employment opportunities or a sense of inclusion in corporate environments with predominantly white employees.
Many students worry about how these policy changes could impact their future job prospects, especially considering how companies are re-evaluating their DEI initiatives.
Karon Thompson, a senior majoring in television and digital media, expressed his thoughts on the matter.
"I think Donald Trump ending DEI is just another way to push his racist and fascist views. Seeing DEI as a threat shows his own incompetence and the fears of those who feel threatened by people of color gaining opportunities, we have historically been denied due to being oppressed for so long,” said Thompson.
Additionally, as some workplaces are already eliminating diversity-focused hiring programs, students feel the uncertainty about equitable opportunities and how these changes will shape their future career paths.
Many institutions are currently navigating these new changes, raising questions about the future of education and workplaces in terms of diversity, equity, inclusion, and the broader effects of these policy changes. Could these new executive orders affect Barry students and faculty?
“If Barry University ended its DEI policies, as I have done with Target for this entire month, I would not be paying my tuition to go here anymore. I would transfer and move my credits to another university,” said Thompson.
The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion department at Barry has played a vital role in fostering an inclusive environment on campus. JEDI organizes workshops, events, and discussions focused on important topics such as antisemitism, racial injustice, and cultural diversity, working alongside student organizations and faculty to integrate these principles into Barry’s culture and curriculum.
After reaching out for comment, we have not received official word from the department. When asked about the current status of the department, Courtney Berrien, who serves as the primary contact for JEDI, stated in an email on Feb. 3, “We are currently in the process of updating our website, so our email and website are temporarily [in] accessible.”
The Dean of Student Services, Matthew Cameron, sent out an email to all Barry students on Feb. 2, emphasizing the school’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive community.
“We recognize that these times can be challenging, and we encourage you to support one another as we navigate them together. Your success and well-being are our top priorities,” stated Cameron.
Barry public relations director, Katherine Doble, wrote to The Buccaneer about student concerns.
She stated, “Barry University is deeply committed to fostering a global welcoming community built on dignity and respect for all—values that align with our Mission and Core Commitments.”
As institutions nationwide are adapting their policies on DEI, Barry University has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for students and faculty.
However, with no clear statement on the future of the JEDI program, questions still remain about how Barry will navigate these challenges. For some students, the university’s position on DEI is not just a policy but a deciding factor in their education and future.
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