NPR’s Future Path: Upholding DEI Principles As Keith Woods Retires

As NPR’s Chief Diversity Officer announces retirement amid a federal DEI crackdown, the network doubles down on controversial diversity initiatives despite mounting criticism.

Quick Takes

NPR’s Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods retires after 15 years, expressing mixed feelings due to “attacks on diversity work”
NPR CEO Katherine Maher reaffirms commitment to DEI initiatives despite Trump administration orders dismantling federal DEI programs
Trump executive orders place DEI employees on paid leave, seeking to end what administration calls “shameful discrimination”
Former NPR journalist Uri Berliner previously criticized the organization for liberal bias and excessive DEI focus
PBS has already closed its DEI office following Trump’s executive orders, while NPR maintains its programs

Veteran DEI Chief Steps Down Amid Changing Political Landscape

National Public Radio’s Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods announced his retirement effective May 2, concluding a 15-year tenure at the taxpayer-supported media organization. Woods, who joined NPR in 2010 after serving as dean of faculty at the Poynter Institute, steps down at a critical moment as diversity initiatives face increased scrutiny nationwide. His departure comes as President Trump’s administration takes decisive action against DEI programs throughout the federal government, placing employees in these roles on paid administrative leave and requiring agencies to dismantle diversity-focused activities.

Woods acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his departure, noting that current political pressures affected his retirement experience. In his statement, Woods said: “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.”

NPR Maintains DEI Focus Despite Federal Rollbacks

While other media organizations like PBS have closed their DEI offices in response to Trump’s executive orders, NPR has taken a different approach. CEO Katherine Maher publicly praised Woods’ contributions and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to diversity initiatives. The network plans to continue DEI work by having two officials, Whitney Maddox and Jasmine Richmond, join the Chief Operating Officer’s office to carry forward diversity programs. This stands in contrast to many institutions now scaling back such efforts.

“NPR remains committed to supporting a diverse workforce, a welcoming workplace, and journalism that serves an audience that is representative of the American public,” said Katherine Maher in a clear indication that the network does not intend to follow the same path as other federally connected institutions.

Trump Administration Takes Aim at “Wasteful” DEI Programs

President Trump’s executive orders on DEI have been sweeping in their impact. The Office of Personnel Management characterized these programs as having “divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.” Federal agencies must now place DEI employees on administrative leave with full pay and benefits but remove their access to work systems. The administration has ordered the removal of DEI program materials and mandated that agencies report compliance by specific deadlines.

“Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” has been the Trump administration’s stated goal; the Justice Department has been given 120 days to recommend suspending similar programs in the private sector and federally funded educational institutions.

Internal Criticism of NPR’s DEI Approach

NPR’s continued embrace of DEI programming comes despite internal criticism from some of its own journalists. Uri Berliner, a longtime NPR reporter, previously highlighted what he described as liberal groupthink and excessive DEI focus at the organization, particularly following George Floyd’s death in 2020. Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR implemented a controversial system to track the diversity of interviewees and sources used in its reporting, a practice that drew criticism for potentially prioritizing identity over journalistic merit.

Lansing had previously stated: “When it comes to identifying and ending systemic racism, we can be agents of change. Listening and deep reflection are necessary but not enough. They must be followed by constructive and meaningful steps forward. I will hold myself accountable for this.”

Growing Divide Over DEI in American Institutions

The contrasting approaches between NPR and other institutions reflect a growing divide in how American organizations respond to changing political winds regarding diversity initiatives. While many companies like Walmart and Facebook have scaled back their DEI programs, NPR appears committed to maintaining its focus in this area despite federal policy changes. Many public media stations have begun altering or removing online diversity statements due to state and federal challenges to such initiatives, indicating the broader impact of the current administration’s approach to diversity programming.