The Mayo Clinic is rebranding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts under the new label “belonging,” in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning such programs. The executive action, signed on Inauguration Day, prohibits federal funding to any institution continuing DEI activities, even under different terminology.
The Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit medical institution receiving billions in federal funds, renamed its “Office of DEI” to the “Office of Belonging.” Staff members previously associated with DEI roles are now referred to as “Belonging” employees. The clinic claims this rebranding aligns with its longstanding focus on fostering collaboration and respect.
The website states that the “Office of Belonging” falls in line with the greater vision to “create a global environment of empowered belonging.”
It goes on to add, “This requires building an environment of psychological safety, making Mayo Clinic a place where people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences can access the best healthcare and where all staff can bring their authentic best selves. Equity is embodied in every aspect of Mayo Clinic, from the individuals who constitute it to the organization as a whole.”
White House policy explicitly warns against attempts to circumvent the DEI ban by renaming or masking initiatives. Despite this, Mayo officials cited “recent national events” as the motivation for accelerating their “belonging journey.” The updated website emphasizes psychological safety and cultural inclusivity for both staff and patients.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace criticized the move, declaring, “DEI is DOA.” Critics argue the rebrand is a strategic attempt to preserve ideological agendas while technically complying with the federal directive.
According to USASpending.gov, Mayo Clinic has received over $4.4 billion in federal funds since 2008, including $500 million from the National Institutes of Health in the last two years. It remains unclear whether any operational or staffing changes will result from the rebranding.
The White House Office of Management and Budget has been directed to ensure termination of all discriminatory DEI and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) programs “under whatever name they appear.”
