Georgia Tech facing backlash over policy banning DEI programs
ATLANTA - Georgia Tech is ending programs and eliminating websites that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a spokesperson confirmed to FOX 5.
The decision has drawn criticism from the Georgia NAACP, which is calling for a meeting with school officials.
DEI removal: Georgia Tech community responds
What they're saying:
"It’s just disappointing. Especially because I was someone who definitely benefited from it," said one Georgia Tech student of Hispanic heritage, who didn't wish to be identified by name. "People should be qualified, but it also helps, coming from a more difficult background, to have a little leg up. Especially, getting into colleges like Georgia Tech."
Georgia NAACP President Gerald Griggs expressed deep concern over the changes.
"We received notice from our local unit there on the college, and definitely wanted to have some questions answered," Griggs said.
Georgia Tech removes DEI terms, programs
What we know:
Georgia Tech has confirmed it is in the process of eliminating its DEI programs, which has been an effort that has been ongoing since 2023. It did not confirm the veracity of the memo the Georgia NAACP posted, but did confirm its mandates.
Blair Meeks, a spokesperson for Georgia Tech, emailed the following statement:
"In 2023, Georgia Tech made the decision to begin discontinuing DEI programs, which included eliminating positions and realigning funding. As a critical research partner for the federal government, Georgia Tech will ensure compliance with all federal and state rules as well as policies set by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to continue accelerating American innovation and competitiveness. Efforts to examine and update our web presence are part of this ongoing work."
The backstory:
The decision follows a broader national trend of restrictions on DEI initiatives. President Donald Trump has ordered that federal funding be eliminated to any program that supports DEI.
Last week, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was ordered to delete content related to "gender ideology."
Georgia Tech’s recent decision appears to be part of a broader effort to align with evolving policies on DEI initiatives.
RELATED: Pastor Jamal Bryant calls for 40-day 'fast' from Target over end to DEI policy
Griggs, the Georgia NAACP president, is concerned about the trend, and worries progress will be lost.
"It is an attempt to erase people's identities and attempt to go back to a far-gone era," he said. "We're not going to allow it."
What's next:
Griggs has requested a formal meeting with Georgia Tech leadership to discuss the policy change and its implications.
"If it's just happening on the website, we can only imagine what's happening internally," he said. "So we need to have a robust conversation."
Students remain uncertain about the impact of the changes.
"Removing them from the websites may not actually amount to much," another student who spoke to FOX 5 said. "But the question is what will come with that?"
The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo on Georgia Tech's campus in Atlanta. Information was provided by a Georgia Tech spokesperson and the NAACP of Georgia.