diversity officer to retire, with DEI in political spotlight

Woods, who is 66 years old, presented the decision as his own.

“After more than four decades in journalism, I’m happy to finally be able to say the words, ‘I’m retiring,'” Woods said in a statement released by the network. “Though the attacks on the work of diversity, equity and inclusion have taken some of the joy out of this moment.”

Woods’ retirement, effective May 2, comes as the federal government and some companies back away from stated commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. PBS shuttered its DEI office earlier this month, ousting two staffers, although it says it remains committed to telling the stories of all Americans. Because it receives federal funding, PBS said its lawyers had concluded that the move was required to stay in compliance with an executive order from President Trump. In January, he directed federal agencies to terminate all “equity-related” grants or contracts. Another order required federal contractors to stipulate that they don’t promote such measures.