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Dear Wayne State University faculty and staff, Over the past month, universities and colleges have received frequent and often-changing directives from the federal administration that substantially impact our work. On the evening of Friday, February 14, Wayne State and other higher education institutions in the United States were issued an official letter from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). While affirming that discrimination based on “race, color, or national origin is illegal,” the letter also introduces new and extensive prohibitions on previously typical actions taken by all institutions like ours that receive federal funding. The letter broadly extends the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision striking down race-based affirmative action in college admissions, stating that “treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal.” It further asserts that universities may not use “race as a factor in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic and campus life.” Universities that do not comply within two weeks face a potential loss of federal funding, including Pell Grants and student loans administered by the USDE. I encourage you to read the letter (pdf) in its entirety to understand its scope and tone. Wayne State University has a proud and ongoing history as an engine of opportunity. We are steadfastly committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment that enables success for everyone. We serve a pluralistic community and empower all students to build a thriving future – in some cases by carefully evaluating and deploying evidence-based, targeted support when students need it. These are among the core strengths of our institution, and a significant factor in my desire – and the desire of many of our students, faculty and staff – to be a part of this noble community. In consultation with our Board of Governors and Board chair, I am working closely with our legal counsel, university leaders, sister institutions and national organizations to thoroughly assess the implications of this letter and consider the best courses of action. We remain committed to providing educational excellence for all students, and we must also ensure that our policies and practices comport with existing federal regulations and funding requirements to maintain our ability to deliver that education. We expect future communications from the USDE on this matter and others, which could bring additional perspective and details. Please continue to check the key issues > federal transition resources page on Today@Wayne, where we will share updates and new materials as they become available. On a personal note, times of significant change and transition like these can cause understandable stress and feelings of uncertainty. Please connect with your peers; draw upon your professional, community, and family networks; and access university resources for needed support. We will keep you informed as we navigate this complex issue together. Thank you for your perseverance and continued dedication to our university and community. Sincerely, |
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