Silence communicates its own message. No statement is a statement.

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive orders attacking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, many are left wondering about the future of these programs in their daily lives, workplaces and schools. Organizations such as Target, Chipotle and Disney have responded by scaling back their diversity hiring initiatives, while Delta, Costco and others have reaffirmed their DEI policies.
It is imperative that the SPA administration voices its commitment to DEI, both to uphold its vision of an inclusive school community and to show unwavering support in a time of uncertainty.

DEI seeks to promote diversity while minimizing prejudice and ensuring fairness in opportunities. The Civil Rights Movement inspired a racial reckoning and more inclusive policies throughout the nation. Decades later, the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor led to increased corporate investment in DEI; the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility found that between November 2020 and May 2021, more than 1,000 companies and institutions dedicated a total of $134 billion toward racial justice.

SPA followed suit by establishing the Defining Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force in 2020, led by Director of Intercultural Life Naomi Taylor. Two years later, a Strategic Action Plan for DEIB was launched, which included six categories ranging from student experience to faculty retention to accountability.

The SPA website states that “the concept of diversity goes much deeper than numbers,” explaining how the school sees the importance of DEIB within all parts of the community. The intentional use of DEIB–the “B” stands for “belonging”–reflects that the goals are intended to cultivate a community where everyone belongs. In this crucial moment, the school must demonstrate that these actions were not purely performative.

Alongside the implementation of DEI, these programs have faced growing backlash for prioritizing diversity over merit. Trump and his allies have blamed DEI for everything from plane crashes to the Los Angeles wildfires. Just last week, Red Wing schools canceled a Black History Month event featuring Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison; in January, the Lakeville school board voted to get rid of posters that include “Black Lives Matter” from the district. With the fallout against DEI on a local and national scale, SPA faces an important decision whether or not to publicly reaffirm its commitment to DEIB.

A statement from school leaders would provide clarity, reassurance and transparency that the school remains devoted to its DEIB policies, demonstrating that past initiatives were not just for show. Reaffirming the school’s commitment would acknowledge that DEI is a work in progress, including at SPA, but that its values are worth upholding.