Smithsonian Shifts Diversity Role to Accessibility Following Federal DEI Directives

The Smithsonian Institution has reorganized a key leadership position, moving its former Head Diversity Officer to a new role as Director of Visitor Accessibility, amidst a federal crackdown on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This change follows President Donald Trump's executive orders issued in early 2025, which mandated the termination of DEI programs across the federal government. Social media commentator Robby Starbuck highlighted the shift, suggesting the move might be an attempt to circumvent the federal ban while maintaining an "equity" focus.

President Trump signed Executive Order 14151, "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," on January 20, 2025, aiming to eliminate what his administration termed "illegal" and "immoral" DEI policies within federal agencies. This was followed by Executive Order 14173, "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," which further revoked prior equal employment opportunity directives and sought to promote merit-based approaches. These orders broadly directed federal departments to terminate DEI offices, positions, and related programs, including "equity-related" grants and contracts.

In response to these directives, the Smithsonian Institution, which receives a significant portion of its funding from the federal government, confirmed the closure of its dedicated diversity office. The individual previously serving as the Head Diversity Officer from 2022 to 2025 transitioned to the new Director of Visitor Accessibility role. According to Robby Starbuck's tweet, the description for this new position reportedly still includes an "equity" push, raising questions about the true extent of the policy shift within the institution.

The administration's efforts extend beyond internal federal agency structures to influence the narrative presented by cultural institutions. Executive Order "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," signed in March 2025, specifically targeted the Smithsonian, accusing it of promoting "divisive narratives" and "improper ideology." Vice President JD Vance was appointed to the Smithsonian's Board of Regents, tasked with overseeing the removal of such ideologies and ensuring that future appropriations align with the administration's vision for American history.

The sweeping changes have sparked debate and legal challenges. Critics, including historians and civil rights advocates, have expressed concerns that these executive orders are designed to control historical narratives and undermine efforts to promote equal opportunity. Several lawsuits have been filed challenging the constitutionality and legality of these executive orders, arguing they are overly broad and infringe upon protected freedoms. The long-term impact on the Smithsonian's programming and the broader federal workforce remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny.