What’s Next for NPR’s DEI Initiatives Post-Keith Woods

As NPR’s longtime diversity champion Keith Woods announces retirement, the public broadcaster affirms its commitment to DEI initiatives despite mounting federal pressure and criticism of such programs nationwide.

Key Insights

Keith Woods, NPR’s Chief Diversity Officer for 15 years, will retire on May 2 after a four-decade career in journalism.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher has reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to DEI despite Woods’ departure and growing national pushback.
President Trump’s administration has issued executive orders to dismantle federal DEI programs, placing affected employees on paid leave.
PBS has already closed its DEI office in response to Trump’s executive orders, while some public media stations are altering diversity statements.
Woods expressed mixed feelings about his retirement, noting that “attacks on the work of diversity, equity and inclusion have taken some of the joy out of this moment.”

NPR’s DEI Leader Steps Down Amid National Pushback

Keith Woods, who has served as NPR’s Chief Diversity Officer since 2010, announced his retirement effective May 2. During his tenure, Woods created a mentorship program, secured funding for the Code Switch podcast, and established initiatives to diversify sources in NPR’s reporting. His departure comes at a critical juncture as DEI programs face increasing scrutiny nationwide, particularly from the Trump administration, which has issued executive orders to eliminate such initiatives in federal agencies.

“After more than four decades in journalism, I’m happy to finally be able to say the words, ‘I’m retiring,’ though the attacks on the work of diversity, equity and inclusion have taken some of the joy out of this moment. I have spent some of the most meaningful days of my career at NPR. I’m proud of what we’ve done together, and I leave behind a team, colleagues, and friends I know will keep this work at the center of their mission,” Woods said.

NPR Maintains DEI Commitment Despite External Pressure

Despite Woods’ retirement and growing challenges to DEI initiatives, NPR’s leadership has doubled down on its commitment. CEO Katherine Maher publicly praised Woods’ contributions while affirming that NPR would continue its diversity efforts. Whitney Maddox and Jasmine Richmond will join the Chief Operating Officer’s office to carry forward the DEI work.

“NPR remains committed to supporting a diverse workforce, a welcoming workplace, and journalism that serves an audience that is representative of the American public,” said Maher. This position stands in contrast to other public media organizations like PBS, which has closed its DEI office following Trump’s executive orders targeting such programs.

Federal DEI Programs Face Elimination Under Trump

The Trump administration has taken significant steps to dismantle DEI programs across the federal government. Recent executive orders have mandated placing federal DEI program employees on paid leave, requiring agencies to remove DEI materials, and obligating employees to report attempts to disguise such programs with vague language. The Justice Department has been given 120 days to recommend suspending DEI programs in the private sector and federally funded educational institutions, signaling a broader effort against these initiatives.

Internal Critique and Ongoing Challenges

NPR’s DEI efforts have faced internal critique as well. Uri Berliner, an NPR journalist, previously highlighted concerns about “liberal groupthink” and an excessive focus on DEI at the organization, particularly following George Floyd’s death in 2020. NPR implemented a tracking system for the diversity of interviewees and sources, which drew criticism from some staff.

NPR's Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods announced he'll retire after a 46-year career in journalism and 15 years at NPR, as the issue he has championed takes center stage in political discourse https://t.co/Uja52tYe11

— WFAE (@WFAE) February 26, 2025

Former CEO of NPR, John Lansing, said during his tenure that “When it comes to identifying and ending systemic racism, we can be agents of change. Listening and deep reflection are necessary but not enough. They must be followed by constructive and meaningful steps forward. I will hold myself accountable for this.”

As public media stations nationwide respond to state and federal challenges by altering or removing online diversity statements, NPR’s continued commitment represents a notable stance in the broader journalism sector.