Town of Elon’s diversity committee stands firm amid DEI rollbacks

Updated as of 11:14 a.m. on Feb. 8 to include video. 

The town of Elon’s Diversity, Equity and Belonging Committee held its first meeting of 2025 on Feb. 3. As the meeting unfolded, the committee covered its plans for the next few months, along with addressing the possibility of issues with diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the near future.The DEB was started around two years ago and holds monthly meetings.

President Donald Trump recalled DEI programs within the federal government through an executive order during his first few days in office. Through this executive order, Trump said he aims to target DEI within private businesses and higher education.

Chairperson of the DEB, Rose Cooper, said she and her other colleagues will continue to offer support for those affected by this new executive order. Though Trump’s order has not yet affected the town of Elon, they will continue to show enthusiasm for DEI no matter the occasion, especially by acknowledging the past.

“I think we should stick to our history and the things that actually did happen, and that we have proof that happened, and to highlight those things,” Cooper said.

According to Cooper, the committee decided it could either remain a body under the radar or stand up and let its voice be heard. Whether it be sending a statement through the town of Elon’s regular water bill to making an infographic shedding light on a prominent historical figure, the group named countless ways to hold on to DEI within the town of Elon.

Elon freshman and DEB committee member, Timothy Oligino, said that despite the new order he hopes the town of Elon and the university will continue to support students. The DEB committee is so diverse, Oligiano said, that having this community is essential. 

If cutbacks on DEI programs were to reach the town of Elon, Oligino said it would be unfortunate. 

“I think it is such a drastic thing to cut a committee because I know that there are people who just don't agree with it, but they didn't agree with it before the community was started,” Oligino said. “I think there are still people who feel that the community is really important.”