Harvard Renames DEI Office Amid Federal Scrutiny

Harvard University has renamed its Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to the Office of Community and Campus Life amid pressure from the Trump administration to dismantle DEI programs or risk losing more than $2.2 billion in federal funding. In addition to the rebranding, Harvard is facing federal investigations into alleged race-based discrimination. Sherri Ann Charleston, now Chief Community and Campus Life Officer, announced the changes as part of a strategic response, with Harvard filing a lawsuit to challenge the funding freeze. The new office will focus on cross-cultural engagement, supporting first-generation and low-income students, and promoting free expression and dialogue across ideological divides. This move is part of a wider trend among universities to rebrand DEI efforts in response to political scrutiny. The decision has prompted debate over whether it represents a substantive retreat or a pragmatic adaptation to external pressures.