After 28 years, the University of Akron has decided not to budget for the Rethinking Race forum due to an executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

After launching a large-scale effort to address long-standing challenges with race relations in the city in 1997, President Bill Clinton chose Akron and the University of Akron's E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall to stage a race town hall.

The University of Akron ends funding for 'Rethinking Race' due to a Trump executive order against DEI initiatives.

University spokeswoman says Rethinking Race will not return in 2025 budget because of federal guidance eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion.

The University of Akron will host several Black History Month events in the coming weeks, though it will not hold its annual Rethinking Race Forum following President Donald Trump’s DEI order.