Mayo Clinic Rebrands DEI Office Following Trump Executive Order

Mayo Clinic has renamed its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office to the 'Office of Belonging,' a change that comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's January executive order. The executive order, titled 'Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,' directed federal agencies to end DEI practices and encouraged private sector organizations to follow suit. Mayo Clinic officials stated the rebrand aligns with their focus on belonging as a cornerstone of staff wellbeing since 2020.

The healthcare organization, which receives over $500 million in federal and state research funding annually, made this change amid broader national discussions about DEI initiatives. Mayo Clinic's Director of Media Relations Andrea Kalmanovitz explained that the rebrand reflects their 'culture of collaboration and respect' and supports 'positive patient experiences.' The organization's website indicates that the Office of Belonging maintains similar goals to its predecessor, emphasizing equity and inclusion across various identity categories.

President Trump's executive order represents a significant shift in federal policy regarding diversity initiatives, requesting both government agencies and private organizations to end what the administration describes as 'illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.' This directive has prompted various institutions that receive federal funding to reconsider their approach to diversity programs. Mayo Clinic's response illustrates how organizations are navigating these policy changes while attempting to maintain their institutional values.

Despite the name change, Mayo Clinic's website suggests continuity in their commitment to equity principles. The Office of Belonging page states that 'Equity is embodied in every aspect of Mayo Clinic' and emphasizes inclusivity across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, military service, faith, and culture. The organization also notes that their work regarding belonging is delivered through 'passionate people, committees and initiatives' rather than through centralized or hierarchical structures.

The rebranding represents one example of how institutions are responding to changing federal directives while maintaining their organizational priorities. Founded in 1864, Mayo Clinic has described its vision as creating 'a global environment of empowered belonging' that supports psychological safety for both patients and staff. This development highlights the ongoing navigation between federal policy directives and institutional values occurring across various sectors in the United States.