Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are words that have become ingrained in society and help everyone understand each other. Diversity is a fact of the world, as everyone is different from their neighbor in some fashion. Equity calls for personalized treatment of all, so anyone can succeed. Finally, inclusion asks for all to be accepting of one another. These all seem to be in place to make sure that all people, no matter what, are respected.
However, in President Donald Trump’s opinion, this is not the case. In a fact sheet sent out by the White House on January 22, 2025, the president expressed he would ban DEI to maintain civil rights and promote opportunities based on performance. The document said, “In the private sector, many corporations and universities use DEI as an excuse for biased and unlawful employment practices and illegal admissions preferences, ignoring the fact that DEI’s foundational rhetoric and ideas foster intergroup hostility and authoritarianism.”
In short, the president explains through this fact sheet that DEI is discriminatory, in that it looks to control how people must think and act. Furthermore, it seeks to do so in an aggressive way. He also expresses that DEI does not educate and shrink harm, but rather deepens it, despite the funding that goes toward these programs.
Naturally, this fact sheet caused concern for many across the country, including our Viterbo community. Without DEI and the program’s funding, many members of campus are worried about how changes would affect the safe and supportive environment that is cultivated at the heart of Viterbo’s values.
In response to these concerns, President Richard Trietley sent an email roughly one month later on February 20, 2025, after carefully monitoring the situation along with other leadership at Viterbo. This email explained that “as a Catholic, Franciscan institution, Viterbo University’s mission is not dictated by political shifts…we will continue to provide opportunities for dialogue, learning, and engagement, ensuring our students are prepared to lead with integrity, compassion, and a servant heart.”
So, despite President Trump’s efforts, DEI will still exist at Viterbo University. When asked for further comment, President Trietley said, “While external policies may shift, our values do not…they are about how we live out our mission every day. Education flourishes when individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to learn, engage, and grow.”
DEI is an important program at Viterbo University, as it affects multiple aspects of campus life and is supported by the values on campus. According to the Vice President of DEI, Marlene De La Cruz-Guzman, “We uphold Catholic and Franciscan traditions through thoughtful programming, class visits, language support, study abroad programs, international student support and services, the Sr. Thea Bowman Center activities, widespread campus use of the Inclusion Center, and the advising, mentorship, and support that we provide any student who seeks it.”
President Trietley has made sure that careful decisions were made to keep the Viterbo DEI program, now and until further notice. He says, “The response I shared with campus was shaped by these considerations, ensuring that our actions reflect both our mission and our legal responsibilities.” He also made sure to consult the Viterbo Cabinet, internal stakeholders, and external experts. It is also important to note that President Trietley will always ensure that Viterbo is in line with the law, and the university is currently in compliance.
Therefore, Viterbo students can rest in the knowledge that all members of Viterbo leadership are looking out for them and their best interests. They also know that they will be protected and respected. Students can also be assured that the university is open to all students and who they are. College is a place and time for students to discover all aspects of the world and themselves. Without programs like DEI, these crucial, formative years would not be the same.
