MFA Boston Denies Targeting Employees of Color in Layoffs

Museum faces backlash over cuts that eliminated roles of Black, Muslim, and Indigenous curators

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) has issued a statement denying that recent layoffs that eliminated the roles of several curators of color were racially motivated. However, the museum is facing significant criticism and calls to reinstate the affected employees, who included the institution's only Black, Muslim, and Indigenous curators.

Why it matters

The layoffs at the MFA have sparked outrage and accusations of racial discrimination, raising concerns about the museum's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, especially during a perceived "DEI free Trump era." The situation highlights the challenges cultural institutions face in balancing financial pressures with maintaining diverse representation among staff.

The details

The MFA laid off 33 employees, or about 6.3% of its staff, to address a projected $13 million structural deficit. Among those let go were assistant curator of Islamic art Nadirah Mansour, assistant curator of Native American Art Marina Tyquiengco, and curator of fashion arts theo tyson. Other eliminated roles included the head of learning and community engagement, the senior manager of equity programs, and the senior director of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

  • The layoffs were announced in February 2026.

The players

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA)

A major art museum in Boston, Massachusetts, known for its extensive art collections and exhibitions.

Pierre Terjanian

The director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Nadirah Mansour

The former assistant curator of Islamic art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Marina Tyquiengco

The former assistant curator of Native American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

theo tyson

The former curator of fashion arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What message is the MFA trying to send to Muslim, Indigenous, and other minority communities with this decision?”

— Ayia Elsadig, Student, Tufts University (Instagram)

What’s next

The museum has stated that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are a priority, and that they will 'deliver on' these commitments. However, the backlash and calls for the reinstatement of the affected curators suggest that the museum may face ongoing scrutiny and pressure to address the concerns raised by this decision.

The takeaway

The layoffs at the MFA Boston have sparked a wider debate about the importance of maintaining diverse representation in cultural institutions, especially during times of financial pressure. The situation highlights the challenges museums face in balancing budgetary constraints with their stated commitments to DEI, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in these decisions.