Trump Order Axes ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’ at SC School
US Army declares event forbidden “DEI” at school dedicated to DEI
Donald Trump’s executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, has caused the US Army Corps of Engineers to pull its participation in a day at a private school for girls in South Carolina, leading to the cancellation of the event.
The US Corps of Engineers was to participate in “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day,” at Ashley Hall, in Charleston, SC., and was scheduled for February 21.
The sad irony is that diversity, inclusion, and equity are among the hallmarks to which the school is committed.
Anne Weston, head of school at Ashley Hall, shared the news in a message to parents.
The liaison with the US Corps of Engineers, shared this news with staff at Ashley Hall, according to Weston’s message: “Federal agencies such as the US Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, are subject to the 22 January 2025 Executive Order terminating DEI in the Executive Branch, and the general pause on outreach initiatives. Accordingly, the Charleston District (including the Federal Executive Association) is not able to participate in or coordinate the Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day outreach event at Ashley Hall this year. Future participation in this or other outreach initiatives will depend on guidance in effect at the time.”
Weston also shared a personal note, as well.
“Ashley Hall fully intended to host this event, and we are disappointed to be at this juncture,” her message said. “We will continue to envisioning ways to offer this programming with other partners. It will take time to forge a new path, and we wanted to give everyone plenty of notice about the change now for February 21.
“As we are all aware, things can change quickly in today’s world. I am working closely with the National Association of Independent Schools and the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools on this matter and others to ensure that the very special programs we offer to our students as an independent, all-girls school are supported and will continue. We are grateful for our membership in these organizations and their advocacy for our institutions.”
While Trump and his allies attack the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ashley Hall continues to embrace its commitment to them on a section of its public website under the heading, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.”
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