October 21, 2025

UMass Boston and Northeastern University Redefine DEI Policies

News Summary

UMass Boston and Northeastern University have rebranded their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies following federal directives. UMass Boston renamed its page to ‘Inclusion & Belonging’, while Northeastern adopted ‘Belonging at Northeastern’. Despite these changes, both institutions affirm their commitment to inclusivity. Concerns about federal influences on DEI practices have emerged, as local officials stress the importance of maintaining these initiatives in education. The evolving discussions on DEI’s definition and implementation continue amid shifting educational landscapes and community expectations.

Boston, MA – UMass Boston and Northeastern University have recently made significant changes to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) webpages, following new directives from the federal government that impact DEI policies at federally funded programs. UMass Boston has removed the word “diversity” from its webpage, renaming it “Inclusion & Belonging.” An archived version of UMass Boston’s page from January 24, 2025, previously exhibited the title “Diversity & Inclusion.” The updated commitment statement now aims to encourage students to bring their “whole identity to campus,” while notably omitting specific terms such as ethnicity and gender identity.

Similarly, Northeastern University has adopted a comparable approach by rebranding its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to “Belonging at Northeastern.” These changes reflect a growing trend among colleges and universities across the nation, as they reassess their DEI policies in light of the recent federal shifts.

Despite the alterations to their websites, both UMass Boston and Northeastern University assert their ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Northeastern’s Vice President of Communications emphasized that, while internal adjustments are necessary, the institution’s core values of inclusiveness remain intact. UMass Boston’s updates align with the recruitment of its first Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging, a move made last summer to enhance their focus on these values.

The modifications coincide with new federal guidelines initiated under the Trump administration, which discourages DEI policies in federally funded educational programs. In response, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has expressed concerns about the ambiguity surrounding federal funding policies, asserting the need to represent the entire community fairly.

Additional concerns have been raised regarding transparency in decision-making related to DEI. Raul Fernandez, a senior lecturer at Wheelock College involved in DEI programs at Boston University, highlighted worries over unclear communications about DEI changes. Notably, the BU Office of Community & Inclusion will now fall under the supervision of the Office of the President, raising apprehensions among faculty about transparency in decision-making processes. Following a “Dear Colleague” letter from the Department of Education, several DEI programs at BU were reported as “indefinitely paused.” This letter claimed that institutions promoting DEI were engaging in “racial discrimination” against white and Asian students, igniting debates within the academic community.

Faculty members at Boston University have voiced criticism regarding the institution’s lack of communication about the effects of federal actions on DEI. The BU Emerging Scholars program, designed to promote networking and professional development for advanced doctoral candidates, has seen disruptions, promoting unease about the future of DEI initiatives in education.

In Massachusetts, state officials, including the governor and attorney general, have released guidance affirming the legality and endorsement of DEI policies within the state education system, despite federal directives. Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler reiterated the state’s dedication to recognizing and addressing inequalities in student access and achievement.

Moreover, initiatives like the Boston Athletic Association’s efforts to boost diversity in marathon running indicate an ongoing struggle for greater inclusivity within the community. Participants have pointed out the demographic disparities among Boston Marathon runners and have called for enhanced outreach to marginalized groups, suggesting that while steps are being made, further efforts are needed to improve inclusion effectively.

As higher education institutions navigate the evolving landscape of federal policy and community expectations, the future of DEI initiatives remains under scrutiny, and discussions around its definition and implementation continue to unfold.

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