To the Case Western Reserve University community,
Late last week, Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, released a “Dear Colleague” letter that seeks to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in educational institutions.
Using the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard as a framework, Trainor’s letter seems to expand the scope of this decision, writing that federal law now prohibits “using race 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.”
This expansion to include all aspects of campus life appears to be a gross overreach of the Supreme Court decision and may be challenged in the legal system. Still, individuals at Case Western Reserve and at partner institutions and agencies across the U.S. are working to better understand the intention and implications of this letter. At the university, we are assessing our processes and programs that are relevant to the letter. For example, we have determined that our admissions and financial aid processes align with the letter’s compliance points because of the extensive work done following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling.
This work is moving quickly, as Trainor’s letter noted that institutions will begin to be assessed in 14 days (i.e., Feb. 28), and those not in compliance could lose federal funding.
As we continue this work, we do so while remaining firmly committed to our core values as an institution. Case Western Reserve has long been guided by a commitment to embrace our differences—whether they’re rooted in what we study, where we’re from or how we intend to shape the world—and we will continue to do so.
The uncertainty we’re facing in this area, and numerous others, is unsettling. Students who need counseling support can contact University Counseling Services at 216.368.5872 or by scheduling an appointment online through MyHealthConnect, or can access 24/7 online support through TimelyCare; faculty and staff counseling services are available through AllOne Health, the university’s Employee Assistance Provider, at 800.227.6007.
We continue to diligently monitor legislation at both the federal and state levels and will communicate with you on how it may impact your academics, your research and your community.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Kaler
President