The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has opted to alter the title of its leading diversity official while maintaining the structure of the office she manages.
This move reflects a broader trend among institutions attempting to preserve their diversity initiatives through superficial adjustments.
As reported by The Washington Free Beacon, Caltech recently announced that Lindsey Malcom-Piqueux, previously the assistant vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion, and assessment, has been "promoted" to associate vice president for campus climate, engagement, and success.
Despite the absence of DEI in her new title, Malcom-Piqueux will continue to oversee the Center for Inclusion and Diversity, Caltech's primary DEI office, as confirmed by a university-wide email from Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum. "In this expanded capacity, Lindsey will be responsible for promoting engagement, progression, and personal and professional success within the Caltech community," Rosenbaum stated on March 31. He further noted her responsibility for the diversity center and the Office of Institutional Research.
The Center for Inclusion and Diversity at Caltech offers "educational workshops and programming for all to learn, connect, and improve their practice and approach to doing great science," according to the institution's website. These initiatives aim not only to advance human knowledge but also to encourage identity exploration, community-building, and networking.
This title modification follows a similar maneuver by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed by Caltech. The lab recently rebranded its chief diversity officer, Neela Rajendra, as "Chief of the Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success," despite laying off 900 workers due to budget constraints and removing DEI-related webpages. Rajendra had previously identified "extreme deadline[s]" as a barrier to "inclusion."
Such changes are not isolated incidents. In February, the University of Michigan School of Nursing rebranded its DEI office as the office of "community culture." These adjustments highlight the pressures faced by institutions like Caltech, traditionally seen as meritocratic and less influenced by progressive trends, in response to the Trump administration's scrutiny of DEI programs in higher education. The diversity center's website emphasizes that all "programming, support structures, and campus organizations are open to anyone in the campus community," a statement seemingly crafted to shield the school from accusations of racial discrimination.
Nevertheless, many of Caltech's diversity initiatives appear tailored for specific demographics. For instance, the Black Ladies Association of Caltech offers networking and professional development opportunities for African-American women in STEM and their allies. Rosenbaum's email indicated that Malcom-Piqueux's role would be to "bolster" such opportunities for all students. "Caltech will not remain competitive in the long term without a steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence," Rosenbaum asserted.
Caltech has not provided an explanation for the change in Malcom-Piqueux's title. This development raises questions about the future of diversity programs at institutions traditionally resistant to progressive influences, as they navigate the challenges posed by evolving political and economic landscapes.
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