Despite being a significant event for the LGBTQ+ movement, trans individuals, along with intersex and queer people, have been removed from the website.
The US National Park Service, responsible for the online monument, has been directed to avoid certain terms in official announcements, as part of broader policies by US institutions.
The New York Times revealed that over 200 such terms have been silenced, including “LGBTQ,” “black,” “marginalized,” and “discrimination.”
This move is seen as part of efforts by the Trump administration to suppress discussions on diversity, justice, and inclusion, with the term “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” itself being targeted.
Sociologist Laura Ann Sanchez views these actions as a strategy to suppress dialogues regarding ongoing equality struggles within the country.
Sanchez questions whether these directives are motivated by racism, homophobia, or a general hostility towards civil rights gains.
Observers suggest that Donald Trump’s policies aim at re-segregation and a new societal division beyond administrative boundaries.
They note that Trump has attempted to reverse previous executive orders promoting diversity and merit-based opportunities, impacting segments such as Black, Hispanic, and female soldiers.
This trend extends into the education sector, with Trump’s orders particularly affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in schools and federally funded institutions.
Abby Ferber, a sociology professor, argues that Trump’s actions serve as distractions that dismantle critical thinking and historical understanding, aligning with a narrative that presents white men as victims.
She also highlights the economic arguments for diversity, citing research that diverse groups are more innovative and better at problem-solving.
This article was originally published in German.
