Trump’s anti-DEI policies impact library programs in Spain

Barcelona City Council has received a letter from the US Embassy in Spain urging the local government to refrain from implementing diversity policies within a language learning program at a public library, warning that funding could be withdrawn if these policies are enforced.

The controversy centers around the American Space Barcelona (ASB) initiative, which has been promoting cultural exchanges between Barcelona and the United States since 2016. This program, hosted at the Ignasi Iglésias-Can Fabra library in the city's Sant Andreu district, has successfully organized approximately 2,000 activities attended by over 77,000 participants.

The ASB program is designed to engage children, young people, and the general public, as well as schools, students, and teachers, in informal English learning within a collaborative and enjoyable environment.

Recently, the Barcelona authorities received correspondence from the US Embassy in Madrid regarding the ASB program. The embassy's letter insists on compliance with Executive Order 14173, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." This executive order mandates that federal funds cannot be allocated to initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Under Donald Trump's administration, US federal law now prohibits the use of funds for programs that advocate for DEI. The letter specifically references the ASB program, which includes language courses and partnerships aimed at language exchange throughout the school year.

City council sources have indicated that they will not acquiesce to the US demands, asserting that such requests contradict the values of inclusion, gender equality, and diversity upheld by Spain and the European Union. They emphasized that US anti-DEI policies do not extend beyond its borders.

This development follows a recent demand from the US Embassy in Spain requiring local suppliers to prove the absence of DEI policies within their companies. Several Spanish ministers have voiced their opposition to these US demands, including Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, who stated, "In Spain, it’s Spanish men and women who are in charge."

Barcelona City Council is committed to continuing its collaborative efforts and exploring relationships with US cities and institutions, firmly advocating for the principles of inclusion, diversity, and equity. Authorities noted that these values are integral to the city’s 40 municipal libraries, which are regarded as safe community spaces and consistently receive high ratings from residents.

On February 20th, the United States Embassy in Madrid publicly affirmed its stance on anti-diversity demands. A spokesperson clarified, "The US Embassy in Spain, like all our embassies around the world, is informing our local suppliers about the new framework based on the recent executive orders signed by President Trump. We want to ensure compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and that suppliers do not operate programs promoting DEI that violate existing federal laws."