Southern Methodist University (SMU) has denied operating a clandestine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, following the release of an undercover video that alleges the university is continuing such initiatives under the guise of a "Cultural Intelligence" framework. The video, shared by school-choice activist Corey DeAngelis and published by Accuracy in Media, features a university staffer discussing efforts to make DEI programming less visible.
The staff member, identified as Danielle Palomo, coordinator for community engagement, social change, and intercultural engagement, reportedly stated in the video that the university had to "do a lot of maneuvering in order to remain kinda hidden under a lot of things." She is quoted as saying that the university is "slowly like working to like rename things and maybe do away with things," but aims to continue its work "to a smaller capacity."
According to the footage, an undercover journalist inquired about existing equity trainings for staff and faculty. Palomo allegedly responded that such programs are now handled by the "Office of Cultural Intelligence," which she described as a rebranding effort.
An SMU spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the university does not operate a hidden DEI program. "The University does offer activities under the Cultural Intelligence framework that was originally adopted in 2017," the spokesperson said. "Cultural Intelligence focuses on the ability to learn from and understand different perspectives, strengthen relationships, and foster mutual respect and community." The spokesperson added that this approach is intended to equip the university community with skills for effective communication and leadership across diverse perspectives. SMU regularly reviews its practices to ensure alignment with legal requirements and its institutional mission.
DeAngelis, however, criticized the university's response, stating, "The Trump Administration should pull every dollar of federal funding from universities that keep pushing DEI after pretending they shut it down." He argued that "the radical left running these campuses is not rooting out Marxist DEI ideology. They are moving the goalposts, renaming offices, and hiding the same agenda under new labels like ‘cultural intelligence.’"
DeAngelis also pointed out that SMU receives over $25 million in annual federal funding, questioning the necessity of taxpayer money to sustain DEI initiatives at a private institution with tuition exceeding $60,000. "A school charging that kind of tuition does not need taxpayer money to keep DEI alive under another name," he said.
SMU is a private institution but holds approximately 164 active federal grants totaling nearly $30 million from agencies including the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Education, according to its student newspaper, The Daily Campus. The university's research and development spending has also seen significant growth, more than tripling since 2010.
The Trump administration has sought to restrict DEI initiatives in federally funded schools through executive actions and Department of Education directives, though some efforts have faced legal challenges and blocks from federal judges. The Department of Education has also cautioned state education departments against maintaining DEI policies, warning of potential loss of federal funding.