Charleston, SC, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Ashley Hall, a private all-girls school in Charleston, has canceled the ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’ due to an executive order terminating DEI initiatives. The event, aimed at inspiring young women to explore STEM careers, was set for February 21 and had drawn significant industry support. Despite the cancellation, Ashley Hall plans to host a panel of female STEM professionals to inspire students and is seeking alternative partnerships to continue its programming.
Charleston, SC – Leaders at Ashley Hall, an all-girls private school situated in downtown Charleston, have announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day,” which was set to take place on February 21, 2025. This decision directly stems from an executive order signed by President Trump, which terminated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and paused outreach efforts from federal agencies.
The event, which is part of national engineers’ week, was designed for 7th through 12th-grade students with the purpose of encouraging young females to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Launched in 2017, “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” offers hands-on experiences, establishes connections with STEM professionals, and provides students with opportunities for community service and internships.
Previously, the event has seen enthusiastic participation from various industry professionals, including Air Force pilots and Coast Guard divers, who were eager to inspire the next generation of female engineers and scientists. However, following the executive order, event coordinators informed Ashley Hall’s leadership that federal agencies could no longer participate, leading to its cancellation.
Dr. Anne Weston, Head of School at Ashley Hall, clarified that this cancellation was not the school’s decision, emphasizing the external nature of the influence causing such disruption. The announcement sparked a strong public backlash on social media, as parents and community members raised concerns regarding governmental interference in educational programs aimed at promoting gender equality in STEM fields.
In response to the cancellation, Weston reassured students and the community that efforts would continue to support programming related to science and engineering in the future. Ashley Hall is committed to reinstating the program and is actively seeking alternative partnerships to bolster its offerings. In light of the cancellation, several local organizations, including the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), have stepped forward to assist in continuing the program.
To fill the gap left by the canceled event, Ashley Hall will instead host a panel featuring female STEM professionals, providing students with insights and inspiration from women already working in the field. Despite the cancellation, the school does not anticipate any other programs being affected by the same executive order at this time.
The necessity of events like “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” is underscored by the current statistics showing that women made up only 24% of the STEM workforce in the U.S. in 2023. This highlights the vital importance of initiatives aimed at increasing female participation and interest in STEM careers. Although the future participation of federal agencies remains uncertain, partners in these organizations reportedly express disappointment regarding the cancellation.
As Ashley Hall navigates this change, students and faculty maintain optimism for future involvement in inspiring young girls to pursue careers in engineering and other STEM fields.
FAQ Section
What was the “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” event?
The event was designed for 7th through 12th-grade girls to explore careers in STEM, offering hands-on experiences and connections with professionals in the field.
Why was the event canceled?
The event was canceled due to an executive order by President Trump which terminated DEI initiatives and halted participation from federal agencies.
What will replace the canceled event?
In place of the canceled event, Ashley Hall will host a panel of female STEM professionals for the students.
What organizations have offered support to continue the program?
Local organizations including the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina have offered to help continue Ashley Hall’s programming.
Will other programs at Ashley Hall face cancellations?
The school does not currently anticipate any other programs being canceled as a result of the executive order.
What percentage of the STEM workforce is made up of women?
As of 2023, women comprised 24% of the STEM workforce in the U.S.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | 7th to 12th-grade girls |
| Focus Areas | STEM careers |
| Hands-On Experiences | Activities led by industry professionals |
| Partnerships | Local organizations and federal agencies |
| Cancellation Reason | Executive order terminating DEI initiatives |
| Future Plans | Hosting a panel of female STEM professionals |
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- Count on 2 News: Downtown Charleston Private School Cancels Event
- Live 5 News: Lowcountry Speaks on Private School Vouchers Bill
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- Wikipedia: Diversity in STEM
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