USC scraps DEI office, merges it with 'culture team'

USC canned its Office of Inclusion and Diversity, merging its staffers with the university’s existing “Culture Team.”

The reorganization was announced in a brief university memo Friday afternoon that pledged to “continue to develop programming and initiatives that support our shared sense of community.”

It was the latest move by USC to erase explicit references to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs after Donald Trump’s inauguration. On Wednesday, Morning, Trojan first reported that the university was quietly scrubbing mentions of DEI initiatives from its websites.

Also on Friday, a memo from the School of Cinematic Arts’ public relations department directed faculty promoting events to use the following language:

“This program is open to all eligible individuals. [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL/UNIT/ORGANIZATION] operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.”

Tomo Chien can be reached at [email protected].