Dear Tulane Community:

Late last week the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance addressing the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and practices at American universities. We are continuously monitoring how this guidance, as well as other legal requirements and recent executive actions, affect Tulane. This includes communication we have been receiving from federal agencies that provide billions of dollars to fund the pathbreaking research conducted by Tulane and other universities.

We are also in contact with academic and research units and other stakeholders throughout the university. We want to make certain our policies, practices and procedures comply with federal law and further our commitment to protect against unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation in all forms. We are also in contact with our elected leaders and policymakers as we seek their insights and support.

This new guidance comes at a time when Tulane is experiencing a period of an unprecedented growth and success fueled by our world-renowned research and the relentless pursuit of academic excellence. At the heart of our success is the hallmark of all great universities – a community of scholars and students from a wide variety of disciplines, backgrounds and experiences.

These Tulanians converge to make discoveries, advance scholarship and experience transformative personal growth. Every member of our compassionate, relational community of students, faculty and staff is vital to our mission. Continued success depends on our ability to nurture, strengthen and support each other. Nothing that has happened in recent weeks changes our values.

Our overarching goal is to advance our ability to recruit the most talented individuals to Tulane and support their ability to thrive and further advance Tulane's academic excellence. Leaders university-wide will provide updates as we continue to monitor and respond to federal directives impacting different areas of Tulane. Policies and procedures may change, but our values and our commitment to the spirit of our motto, "Not for oneself but for one's own" will remain stronger than ever.

Michael A. Fitts, President
Robin Forman, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Patrick Norton, Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer