Ibram X. Kendi’s Anti-Racist Research Center at Boston University is closing, marking the end of a controversial chapter in the nation’s DEI efforts. Kendi, a leading figure in the anti-racism movement, established the center with promises of groundbreaking research on racial inequality. However, critics like Chris Rufo argue that the center, which received tens of millions of dollars in grants, produced little tangible work. Many view Kendi’s work and similar DEI initiatives as fueling division rather than unity, emphasizing guilt and grievance over constructive dialogue and a path toward healing racial tension. The closure of Kendi’s center suggests a shift away from the divisive rhetoric of the BLM era, signaling a potential reevaluation of how the nation addresses race and equality.
