An Honest Conversation about Change: How Recent Executive Orders Will Impact Bryn Mawr
By Caitlyn N. ‘26, edited by Brynn B. ‘26
In light of the recent and continuing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by the Trump administration, Head of School Sue Sadler and Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusive Practice Diane Nichols have affirmed Bryn Mawr’s commitment to DEI programs and initiatives.
Since the start of his second term, President Donald Trump has issued a barrage of executive orders, totaling 76 as of late February. This is the most orders signed in a president’s first 100 days in office in over 40 years. Some of the most notable orders include freezing federal hiring, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization, moving to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, terminating DEI programs nationwide, and officially recognizing only two sexes. (Read here for the complete list of orders.) Moreover, President Trump placed direct blame on the “diversity requirements” of the Federal Aviation Administration for the tragic midair plane collision over the Potomac River in late January. His unfounded claims and agenda indicate an abrupt shift from the previous views and policies surrounding DEI implemented by former President Biden. These DEI initiatives simply aimed to level the playing field and rectify the ongoing harms of systemic injustice, exclusion, and discrimination in the country.
Members of the Bryn Mawr community have raised concerns about these orders' impact on the school. In response, Bryn Mawr’s administration has reiterated its dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
Bryn Mawr is not a federally funded institution and, therefore, will not directly be affected by the orders. However, it is still important to consider the ripple effect that many Bryn Mawr families could experience. President Trump’s anti-DEI rhetoric disrupts many families’ lives, leaving them with occupation and immigration status concerns. “We hope Bryn Mawr is a haven for families,” Ms. Sadler emphasizes. “We see them, we care about them, we love them, and we want them to know that their value does not change because of this.”
At the same time, Ms. Sadler acknowledges that political shifts of this magnitude are not unprecedented. The landscape of the American government has long been characterized by fluctuations between progressive and conservative policies, particularly on social issues, such as DEI. It is not uncommon to see advancements made under one administration and pushback under the next. This cyclical nature of change can be disheartening, especially when progress appears to stall or even reverse.
However, history also shows that change, while often nonlinear, is ultimately shaped by persistent efforts and collective advocacy. Ms. Sadler encourages the community to remain hopeful and engaged, even in the face of setbacks. “We have a lot of work to do as a country to move forward, but together, we can stand firm in support of each other,” she says. “Have hope, and continue to stand up for what you believe in.”
Ms. Nichols notes that Bryn Mawr is fortunate—its policies remain unaffected by these recent executive orders. However, she points out that while our school continues to uphold its values, many other institutions face disruptive changes that hinder their efforts to support disadvantaged groups. Recognizing this privilege is the first step in taking action, and Ms. Sadler encourages students to continue engaging in the greater Baltimore community to support those who are more strongly affected.
Bryn Mawr, at its core, has always been an institution on the leading edge of change. Founded as an all-girls school when women were discouraged from becoming well-educated, it broke established norms and set a precedent for progressive education that empowered generations of women to challenge the status quo. As Ms. Nichols puts it, “We are that school that from the beginning, has stood up,” a statement that encapsulates Bryn Mawr’s commitment to fostering bold voices and cultivating change. As the American political landscape shifts, Bryn Mawr remains steadfast in its values, reinforcing the importance of an inclusive education and preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Editor's note: If you or someone you know at Bryn Mawr is feeling fearful or uncertain about anything related to these changes in our country, Ms. Sadler and Ms. Nichols urge you strongly to seek out support from advisors, deans, and trusted adults. Bryn Mawr’s Community Advocacy For Equity (CAFE) is also an excellent resource. Grade representatives and DEI liaisons are willing to provide support to anyone looking for it. Please reach out to Diane Nichols (nicholsd@brynmawrschool.org) for more information.
Additionally, these resources are available to you:
** Update on April 8, 2025: In addition to federal executive orders, recent decisions by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) have further impacted the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion work across the country and at our school. Programs like the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and the People of Color Conference (PoCC) have been paused for 2025. While these changes may signal a shift in institutional affiliations, terminology, or titles, they do not mean that the work itself will stop. Bryn Mawr remains committed to its values and mission, and the school will continue to foster spaces for student voice, advocacy, and education regardless of external circumstances.