Activist and writer Ibram X. Kendi announced he will be leaving Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research (CAR). He will reportedly be joining a new institute at Howard University focused on researching African diaspora, calling it the “most fulfilling career choice” he’s ever made.

For Content: Kendi opened Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research in 2020, amidst the prevalent Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd. The center will be closing once its charter expires at the end of June. 

Key Quote: “I am departing for an opportunity I could not pass up, but what connected us at CAR remains, especially during this precarious time. Our commitment to building an equitable and just society,” Kendi remarked.

How the Media Covered It: Outlets on the right focused more on CAR closing and surrounding controversies, with some implying causation. National Review News (Lean Right bias) stated, “Kendi said [major] layoffs were part of a strategy to keep the center running in the long term. That strategy ultimately failed, as made evident by its announced closure this week.” Outlets on the left more often highlighted Kendi’s new venture in joining Howard, a historically-black university (HBCU). Newsweek (Center) pointed to recent rollbacks in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts throughout the United States.