New Haven Doubles Down on DEI
At a time when Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is being eliminated at a rapid pace thanks to the Trump administration, New Haven, CT leaders doubled down on the discredited program during the inauguration of Mayor Justin Elicker for his fourth term, held at the Fair Haven School auditorium.
The role of education was central to the day’s events. The ceremony was emceed by New Haven Public School (NHPS) students Rania and Yeendrol, whose presence highlighted the city’s focus on empowering the next generation of diverse leaders. Mayor Elicker gave a “special shout out” to the countless educators and students who chose to spend their New Year’s Day serving their community.
Dr. Edward T. Joyner, a veteran member of the Board of Education, was also sworn in, symbolizing the deep link between city governance and the mission of NHPS. Speakers throughout the day emphasized that the classroom is where the city’s values of “tolerance, respect for diversity, and compassion” are first nurtured.
The theme continued with the help of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) who insisted that the city continue to champion these values publicly.
“Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. We ought to say it out loud,” Blumenthal told the crowd. “That’s what New Haven is about. That’s what America is about.”
The ceremony underscored how DEI translates into policy, particularly regarding:
- Immigrant Rights: Recalling the community’s rally to protect Wilbur Cross High School students from ICE.
- Healthcare Equity: Highlighting New Haven as a leader in providing gender-affirming care when other institutions have pulled back.
- Historical Reflection: Launching the “America 250 Commission” to ensure the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 reflects the “full breadth” of history, including the struggles of marginalized groups.
In his remarks, Mayor Elicker questioned “whether “our democracy” will “endure for another 250 years,” which is a typical comment from liberals who believe that President Trump is a threat to our nation.
DEI may be dying across much of the country, but New Haven shows that liberal cities are resisting efforts to kill a program that they have used to indoctrinate students and are loath to give up.
Don Irvine
Donald Irvine is the chairman of of Accuracy in Academia (AIA), a non-profit research group reporting on bias in education. Irvine follows his father’s legacy, Reed Irvine, to critically analyze the liberal media’s bias and brings over thirty years of media analysis experience. He has published countless blog posts and articles on media bias, in context of current events, and he has been interviewed by many news media outlets during his professional career. He currently hosts a livestream weekly show on AIA’s Facebook page which discusses current events.
Irvine graduated from the University of Maryland and rose up the ranks to become chairman of Accuracy in Media until his transition to AIA.
He resides in the suburbs around the nation’s capital and is a proud father and grandfather.
