Trump’s administration is dismantling D.E.I programs and locals say it’s diluting history
EASTERN SHORE, Md. – This year, President Trump’s administration put a call out to federal agencies to get rid of anything representing diversity, equity, or inclusion. Those polices have now reached the Eastern Shore, and the community responds to government actions.
Ethnic Erasure
Jackie Robinson, The Nation Museum of African American History and Culture, and now Harriet Tubman. Historical figures and establishments many say have been under attack during Trump’s administration, and historians aren’t standing for they’re calling an ethic erasure.
President Trump said in address to the country earlier this year, “On day one we ended the so-called diversity equity and inclusion policies across the entire federal government, private sector, and it’s just not even allowed.”
The Department of Defense took down and restored information highlighting Jackie Robinson, the first Black Major League baseball player. Soon after, Trump signed an executive order directing the Smithsonian to remove “anti- American content” from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Recently The National Park Service removed and later re-uploaded information describing Harriet Tubman’s contribution to the Underground Railroad.
Hiding History
Archivist for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Fredrick Douglass Library Kathy Griffin says diluting history affects us all. “It was disheartening at first, because it is history, and you can’t erase it. and it needs to be shared, and those stories need to be told.”
Maryland Delegate Jamila Woods spoke April 2nd in favor of the Reparations Commission. She shared her connection to Harriet Tubman, adding we should never forget.
“Arminta ‘Minty” Ross, who you know as Harriet Tubman, my fifth-generation great aunt. I stand today as a descendant of formerly enslaved people. My descendants and the descendants of many in this room, were traumatized, separated, the intended prey of enslavement, racial discrimination, sexual violations, lynching’s and more.”
Douglass Descendant
Fredrick Douglass 5-time great nephew, Tarence Bailey Jr. says, their family felt attacked when the Maryland National Guard declined to celebrate Fredrick Douglass Birthday saying it “violated Pentagon policy.” and says history erased benefits no one.
“Harriet Tubman, Fredrick Douglass, Jackie Robinson, all of these people they’re calling DEI it’s all-American History. Them, along with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or whoever else, have all had a hand jointly in shaping this country.” Bailey says they will record and preserve History on the shore for future generations.
The presidential order is titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” It reads in part quote… “Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect… and to expending precious taxpayer resources only on making America great.”
