PBS Shuts Down Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office Amid Budget and Compliance Concerns
In a significant move, PBS has announced the closure of its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), citing compliance with President Trump’s executive order and the resulting need to eliminate two high-level positions. The decision affects Cecilia Loving, the leader of the DEI initiative, and her associate, Gina Leow, whose roles have been terminated. This step comes at a time when public television and radio are preparing for what could be one of the most intense battles over federal funding in recent memory. Despite the shutdown of the DEI office, PBS CEO Paula Kerger emphasized that the organization remains committed to representing diverse American stories, a mission it has upheld long before the creation of the DEI office in 2021.
The closure is largely driven by PBS’s reliance on federal funding, particularly from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation, which supports its children’s programming. While PBS receives approximately $535 million annually from the government—a portion of its overall budget—the funds are channeled through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), creating some ambiguity about whether compliance with the executive order is strictly required. Kerger explained that PBS’s legal team determined the necessity of compliance to avoid potential risks.
PBS’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Beyond the DEI Office
Kerger underscored that PBS’s dedication to diversity and inclusion predates the existence of the DEI office. "We were committed to telling the stories of all Americans before we had an office, and will continue to do it afterwards," she stated. The DEI office, however, had taken on a broader role, addressing issues such as accessibility for children with hearing impairments. For instance, the office worked to ensure that PBS programming was accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
While the closure of the DEI office marks a significant shift, Kerger highlighted that some of PBS’s 330 member stations have their own DEI initiatives, which may continue independently. These stations, many of which receive funding from the CPB, will need to assess their own compliance with the executive order and decide how to proceed. "We’re trying to encourage them to have lawyers look at their circumstances," Kerger advised.
A History of Pressure and Controversy Over Diversity at PBS
This is not the first time PBS has faced scrutiny over its approach to diversity. Four years ago, the organization received criticism from over 130 filmmakers, who accused PBS of prioritizing documentarian Ken Burns at the expense of other voices. The letter alleged a "systemic failure to fulfill a mandate for a diversity of voices," highlighting concerns about representation in programming.
Now, with the Trump administration pushing to cut federal spending, PBS finds itself under even greater pressure. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah recently reignited the debate by calling to defund PBS and NPR, a stance that resonates with some conservatives who argue that public media leans left. Kerger acknowledged that public broadcasting is under close scrutiny and that the current climate feels different from past challenges.
The Broader Debate Over Federal Funding for Public Media
The debate over federal funding for public media is nothing new. For years, Republicans have called for defunding
