The Smithsonian Institution has announced the closure of its Office of Diversity and a freeze on federal hiring, a decision influenced by President Trump's executive order condemning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While the Smithsonian is not a federal agency, a significant portion of its funding comes from federal sources, affecting its nearly 6,500 employees, many of whom are federal workers. This closure follows a trend seen in other cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery of Art, which has similarly cut DEI offices after also receiving federal funding. Visitor accessibility efforts will continue despite this cut.
The move to eliminate the Office of Diversity comes in the wake of an executive order from President Trump that describes diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as "illegal and immoral."
Our Institution is fully committed to excellence in our workforce, free from discrimination and harassment," wrote a Smithsonian Institution spokesperson.
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