To the university community,
At Case Western Reserve, the wide range of ideas, backgrounds and experiences present in our classrooms, labs and gathering spaces is what makes our university such a rich, robust and inspiring place to learn, work and live. It challenges us to think differently, to consider other perspectives and to constantly demand that we do better, and be better. Our institution has a long and proud history of offering a path to a better life for all, and we will continue to do so long into the future.
The executive orders (issued Jan. 20 and Jan. 21) to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in organizations receiving federal funding make clear that there are consequences for those who do not comply. We have watched the evolution of the legal challenges to these executive orders, and, as we have seen among some of our peers already, it is clear we must be in compliance with them to receive the federal funding that is critical to our present and future.
As a consequence of this federal mandate, the university-wide Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement will close, effective immediately. To maintain alignment with our institutional values we will establish the Office for Campus Enrichment and Engagement. This office will work to connect our community and offer programming that aligns with its new mission: Enriching our campus life through building community, active engagement, mindful learning and transformative civil dialogue. This office will also administer the Gallup Engagement Survey and lead its corresponding committee, which has representation from across the university, to develop action steps to improve our campus engagement. You can learn about the new office on its website; more information will be added as the new office continues to build its work.
School-based programs will see similar changes, and staff roles may be adjusted to align with this new approach. The Office for Campus Enrichment and Engagement will work with schools to achieve this new mission and ensure their efforts support all members of our community.
We will continue to assess programming and processes across the university to ensure they comply with law and support our community. It may take time for us to find solutions, but trust that all decisions will hold true to our values. Across Case Western Reserve, we will continue to promote:
- Civility and the free exchange of ideas,
- Civic and international engagement, and
- Appreciation for the distinct perspectives and talents of each individual.
These core values have long defined all that we do—from teachings in our classrooms to service in our community to research that benefits our nation and the world—and they will continue to do so.
We continue to diligently monitor legislation and directives and will communicate with you on how it may impact our academic work, our research and our community.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Kaler
President