The acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, has sparked controversy by urging Georgetown Law School to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a letter to the school’s dean, William M. Treanor, Martin stated that his office would not consider hiring students or affiliates from any institution that continues to promote DEI.
Martin’s letter, which was initially sent in February but re-sent due to an address error, expressed concern over Georgetown’s involvement with DEI programs. He described the situation as “unacceptable” and posed two questions to Dean Treanor: whether the school had eliminated DEI from its curriculum and whether it would remove any remaining DEI elements.
This move aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to curtail DEI practices across the U.S. The administration has issued executive orders to eliminate such programs within the federal government, sparking legal challenges.
Legal experts have criticized Martin’s actions, arguing that federal prosecutors should not dictate academic curricula. Adam Steinbaugh, a First Amendment lawyer, described the move as a “dark abdication of the First Amendment,” emphasizing that federal prosecutors do not control classroom content.
Georgetown University has defended its practices, stating that they are constitutionally protected and comply with all federal regulations. The university emphasized its commitment to fostering intellectual and ethical understanding through diverse discourse.
Martin’s actions have raised concerns about his use of authority, particularly given his lack of prosecutorial experience and his alignment with Trump’s policies. His tenure has been marked by controversy, including the demotion of prosecutors involved in high-profile cases.
Georgetown Law School, part of the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university, is renowned for its academic excellence and notable alumni, including Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and former FBI Director Robert Mueller. The school’s stance on DEI reflects its mission to promote intellectual and ethical understanding in a diverse society.