The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has announced the closure of its Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO) after an extensive review lasting about 18 months. This decision was revealed by MIT President Sally Kornbluth last Thursday.
In her announcement, Kornbluth emphasized that MIT’s core mission is to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensure a welcoming environment for everyone at the university. The memo outlined that while some core programs will continue, the central ICEO will be phased out.
A university spokesperson noted that this review process has been underway for nearly a year and a half, leading to the decision to dismantle the ICEO, which had described itself as a steward of MIT’s values focused on community building and diversity.
In addition to shutting down ICEO, MIT will also eliminate the position of vice president for equity and inclusion. Earlier this month, the university became the first of its kind to remove diversity pledges from its hiring and admissions processes, a move criticized by some as creating ideological barriers.
This closure aligns with a broader trend at MIT, which has been reevaluating its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives over time. While there are ongoing discussions in the political sphere, particularly involving the Trump administration and Harvard University’s practices, MIT asserts that its decisions are not connected to these external pressures.
