The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Office at Le Moyne College is considering changing its name. According to the AP News, “Schools and colleges across the U.S. face a Friday deadline [on Feb. 28] to end diversity programs or risk having their federal money pulled by the Trump administration…”
When asked about these changes, Le Moyne College spokespeople and administrators commented, “We have not made a decision about this but are reviewing next steps.”
According to a list provided by school officials, other U.S. Jesuit institutions have also been considering name changes; the common thread is that they are omitting the word “diversity.”
One of the most pressing concerns surrounding these national changes is their potential impact on federal grants. On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights sent a letter to all educational institutions that receive federal funding.
“Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding.” This statement from the letter sets a new precedent for academic organizations that are federal funding recipients.
Currently, Le Moyne College officials acknowledge that it remains unclear to what extent funding will be affected by the rollback of DEI policies at the federal level, “At this point, we don’t know what this may mean for any Federal grants we have received.”
Le Moyne spokespeople and administrators’ answer to the question on how they are responding to DEI rollbacks was, “The college is reviewing recent administrative directives and determining what our response will be.”
Not only could this decision have a financial impact, but it also has potential for a community impact. Carlie Herba is secretary of the Diversabilities Club, which encourages inclusion and friendship; when asked about DEI rollbacks, she stated, “It’s scary to think about.”
Hamza Hassan, vice president of Le Moyne College PRISM club, an LGBTQIA+ organization that promotes a safe space for all, expresses similar sentiments stating, “I don’t feel good about it… DEI is not meant to put anyone down.”
Both Herba and Hassan plan on working with their respective E-board members to keep business as usual.
Commenting on how the Diversabilities Club will operate in the future, Herba said, “I think people understand what our club is about. I don’t think we as Le Moyne and our community will view anything differently.”
Hassan emphasized the importance of student involvement on campus, saying, “It is the duty of an E-board to give space to students and maintain dignity now more than ever.”
In terms of what else on campus that could potentially be changing, administration and spokespersons at Le Moyne commented that at this time, “It would be premature to answer or comment on this.”
When asked about what messages they would want to give to students during this uncertain moment in history at Le Moyne, Herba said “No matter what’s going on in the world, you have to stay true to yourself and your beliefs because in the end that’s what matters.”
Hassan reaffirms this saying, “Each student deserves the right to grow into themselves and to be loved for it unconditionally… the right people exist to tell them they deserve it.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of DEI initiatives at the national level, Le Moyne College continues to prioritize inclusivity and belonging on campus.
Associate Provost for EDIB, Barb Karper said, “EDIB is about treating people with respect.”
While the institution assesses its path forward, it reassures students, faculty, and staff that its core commitment to fostering a diverse and welcoming environment remains unchanged, “No matter what changes are made, the College remains committed to supporting our students no matter their background or individual situation.”
