1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

Trump's executive orders dismantle decades of federal anti-discrimination policies and programs that aim to promote equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion across workplaces, schools, and other institutions. These orders wrongfully conflate lawful efforts to foster equity with discrimination itself, creating a chilling effect that could deter organizations from critical initiatives to remove barriers and ensure fair access for all, including people with disabilities. Policies and practices designed to level the playing field by identifying and addressing systemic inequities are not discriminatory - they are essential for upholding civil rights protections and providing equal opportunity. We urge a strong commitment to maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that expand access and accommodate people with disabilities, rather than abandoning this vital work out of intimidation from the federal government's misguided actions. Equality cannot be achieved by ignoring disparities - it requires proactive measures to dismantle entrenched discrimination and provide equitable pathways to success for all individuals, including those with disabilities.