(The Center Square) – Stanford University has removed diversity, equity and inclusion content from portions of its website, including the school’s “About” page, which no longer has any reference to “racial” or “socioeconomic” barriers.
Stanford’s “About” page previously stated its “deep respect for diversity in all its forms” as late as Jan. 13, according to an internet archive, something that is now absent from the current webpage.
“Stanford values diversity in background, experience, interests and perspectives,” the old webpage stated.
“The university seeks to provide all students with the opportunity and tools to build community and connection across the racial, socioeconomic, geographical, and political lines that often present barriers to greater understanding, mutual respect, and authentic friendship,” the webpage stated.
Additionally, the old “About” page stated its “commitment to financial equity,” while the updated version says the school seeks to “provide financial aid that opens up the opportunity for all admitted students to succeed at Stanford.”
The webpage previously said that Stanford students “from lower-income families have their tuition, room, and board provided for in full.” However, this is no longer stated on the webpage.
When contacted twice each for comment, neither Stanford media relations nor vice provost for institutional equity, access and community Patrick Dunkley responded.
Though still in existence, Stanford’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in a Learning Environment (IDEAL) page has had its content reduced, as student paper The Stanford Daily reported.
When reached twice for comment, IDEAL did not respond.
Stanford’s Diversity and Access Office is still in operation, as observed on the school’s website.
However, according to an internet archive, in November 2024, the office had a page labelled “Equity and Affirmative Action” which has been renamed “Employee EEO Compliance” since at least the beginning of January 2025, as observed on internet archives.
Its mission that is now removed was stated as one “to advance Stanford’s commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and affirmative action goals as well as to foster an inclusive and accessible community for students, staff, faculty, and visitors,” according to the internet archive.
This statement is no longer on the webpage.
Most of Stanford’s move to do away with some DEI material from its website came shortly before Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order that called for the “termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.”
However, Stanford has not responded to multiple requests for comment concerning its response to the executive order, as The Center Square reported.
The move also shortly preceded a Feb. 14 Dear Colleague letter sent by the U.S. Department of Education stating that race-based decisions in education – be it in admissions, financial aid and scholarships – are unlawful, The Center Square previously reported.
Schools that do not comply with the letter may face loss of federal funding.
