(Opinion)
By Joanna Farrell
In an executive order signed by President Trump on Jan. 20, Federal DEI programs have been eliminated, posing threats not only to federal employees but to states and towns across the nation. The executive order states that they, “…shall coordinate the termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government…”. President Donald J. Trump 2025 Executive Order may be viewed on the Federal Register here.
Stickers on doors around campus promote inclusive spaces. Photo by: Joanna Farrell
Staff and Faculty are pictured promoting diversity in Asnuntuck’s campus.
Photo by: Joanna Farrell
Since this executive order was signed, we have seen a rollback of diverse federally recognized holidays. These include but are not limited to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and Pride Month. The expulsion and erasure of these historical holidays and honorary months marks just the beginning of the DEI rollbacks from this administration.
CT State Community Colleges, however, remain steadfast in their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campuses. In an email sent to all students on Jan. 30 CT State provided information regarding upcoming meetings and conferences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Here are just some of the programs that are being offered at community colleges around the state:
On March 26-29, Capital Community College will be hosting the National WPC (Anti-oppression, Anti-racism) Conference. Students are welcome to volunteer or attend this event. To be a volunteer a form must be filled out and volunteers are expected to serve the duration of the conference.
On Feb. 19, the Three Rivers campus will be hosting the CT State Native American and Indigenous Council Event. The goals of this conference aim to develop the ongoing partnerships between CT State and Connecticut tribes and our Indigenous communities.
March 21-22 the University of Connecticut in Storrs will be hosting the True Colors SOGIEcon Conference. This conference will focus on sexual orientation and gender and identity expression for youth, allies, and advocates. This is the largest pride conference in the country, everyone is welcome to attend.
For information on upcoming events on your campus contact your campus activities director, contact information can be found on the faculty and staff directory for your campus.
We as a campus must ensure that we remain steadfast in our convictions. This is not a time to turn a blind eye.
As members of a community college, we are lucky to receive aid from the federal government to maintain affordable or even free education for members of our campus, but this means that the fight we have is harder. Our voices should be heard and seen even in a time where it is easier to be silent. We are not small, nor weak, we are CT State.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health during this time, crisis and support services have been provided at the end of this article.
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call – 998 Text - 741741
CT State Mental health & Wellness Service: www.ctstate.edu/wellness
Trevor Project: (212) 695 – 8650
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565 – 8860
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