NPR’s New Leadership: Navigating Diversity Amid Industry Shifts

NPR doubles down on diversity initiatives as Chief Diversity Officer retires amid mounting pressure from Trump administration’s sweeping DEI program cuts.

Key Takeaways

NPR’s Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods is retiring May 2 after 15 years, but the organization pledges to maintain DEI initiatives despite political headwinds
The Trump administration has issued executive orders eliminating DEI programs in federal agencies, placing employees on paid leave
PBS has already closed its DEI office following Trump’s executive orders, while many public media stations are altering or removing diversity statements
NPR CEO Katherine Maher reaffirmed that diversity initiatives remain central to NPR’s mission despite growing opposition
Former NPR journalist Uri Berliner previously criticized the organization’s liberal bias and excessive DEI focus

NPR Maintains DEI Commitment as Woods Announces Retirement

NPR is standing firm on its diversity initiatives even as its Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods announced his retirement effective May 2. Woods, who has been with NPR since 2010 and in journalism for 46 years, expressed mixed feelings about his departure timing. His retirement comes as diversity, equity, and inclusion programs face unprecedented challenges nationwide, particularly from the Trump administration, which has begun dismantling federal DEI programs through executive orders.

“After more than four decades in journalism, I’m happy to finally be able to say the words, ‘I’m retiring,’ though the attacks on the work of diversity, equity and inclusion have taken some of the joy out of this moment. I have spent some of the most meaningful days of my career at NPR. I’m proud of what we’ve done together, and I leave behind a team, colleagues and friends I know will keep this work at the center of their mission,” said Woods.

Trump Administration Eliminates Federal DEI Programs

President Trump’s recent executive orders targeting DEI initiatives have sent shockwaves through government agencies and beyond. The orders, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” require federal agencies to place DEI program employees on paid administrative leave while discontinuing all diversity initiatives established under the Biden administration. The Office of Personnel Management justified the move by claiming these programs “divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.”

Federal employees affected by these orders will receive full pay and benefits while on leave, though they will not perform work duties or have access to government email systems. The orders specify that the leave “is not being done for any disciplinary purpose.” Also, the Justice Department has been given 120 days to recommend suspending DEI programs in the private sector and federally funded educational institutions, potentially broadening the impact of these anti-DEI measures across American society.

Public Media’s DEI Crossroads

NPR’s decision to maintain its diversity initiatives comes as other media organizations retreat from similar commitments. PBS has already closed its DEI office following Trump’s executive orders, and numerous public media stations have begun altering or removing online diversity statements in response to state and federal challenges. Despite this trend, NPR CEO Katherine Maher has made it clear that the organization will not abandon its diversity principles.

“NPR remains committed to supporting a diverse workforce, a welcoming workplace, and journalism that serves an audience that is representative of the American public,” Maher said.

Internal Criticism and Ongoing Challenges

NPR’s commitment to DEI has not been without internal criticism. Uri Berliner, a former NPR journalist, publicly highlighted what he described as liberal groupthink and excessive DEI focus at the organization, particularly following George Floyd’s death in 2020. Berliner criticized NPR’s system for tracking the diversity of interviewees and sources, suggesting it compromised journalistic integrity. These tensions reflect broader divisions in media and society about how to balance diversity goals with journalistic standards.

Following Woods’ departure, NPR staff members Whitney Maddox and Jasmine Richmond will join the Chief Operating Officer’s office to continue DEI efforts. Woods leaves behind a legacy that includes creating a mentorship program, securing funding for the Code Switch podcast, and enhancing diversity in storytelling. As media organizations nationwide grapple with changing political winds, NPR’s decision to maintain its diversity commitment represents a significant stance in an increasingly polarized landscape where companies like Walmart and Facebook have already scaled back similar initiatives.