The National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Washington, DC, has recently made the decision to discontinue its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The order, which was signed on January 20, terminates such initiatives across all federal agencies and entities, deeming them as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”
As a result of this mandate, the NGA has closed its Office of Belonging and Inclusion, with employees being reassigned to vacant positions within the museum. Additionally, any language related to DEI has been removed from the institution’s website, with the words “diversity, equity, access and inclusion” being replaced with “welcoming and accessible.”
The executive order issued by President Trump on his first day in office includes a range of controversial mandates, such as redefining birthright citizenship and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. It requires all federal agencies and departments to end their DEI programs, plans, and initiatives within 60 days, emphasizing a commitment to “expending precious taxpayer resources only on making America great.”
This decision by the NGA comes shortly after Darren Walker, leader of the Ford Foundation, was appointed as the museum’s president. With the majority of its funding coming from the federal government, the NGA houses a vast collection of artworks and has previously launched a rebranding effort focusing on DEI.
It remains to be seen how other museums will respond to the executive order. The Smithsonian Institution has been contacted for comment on the matter.
In conclusion, the NGA’s decision to end its DEI programs reflects a broader shift in federal policy under the current administration. As museums and cultural institutions grapple with these changes, it is essential to consider the implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.
