‘D.E.I.’ Was Erased From N.Y.C. Racial Equity Plan to Avoid Conflict With Trump
NYC Adjusts Language in Policy Document. Words Change, Work Continues.
What Happened
New York City officials removed the term "D.E.I." (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) from a racial equity plan document, reportedly to avoid potential conflicts with the incoming Trump administration. The underlying policy work appears to continue under different terminology.
Historical Context
Political terminology has always shifted with administrations. "Urban renewal" became "community development" (1970s), "welfare" became "social services" (1990s), "climate change" was once "global warming." Organizations routinely rebrand initiatives when political winds change - the work often continues under new names. Federal-local tensions over social programs date back to the New Deal era.
What's In Your Control
Whether you focus on the substance of local policies rather than their labels. How you evaluate your city's actual programs and outcomes. Whether you engage in local civic processes that shape policy implementation.
Does This Require Action?
Unless you're directly involved in NYC policy work: awareness only. This is largely administrative terminology management. Permission granted to care more about policy outcomes than political branding.
Source: NY Times
