2.17.25

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students —

Late last week, the federal Office for Civil Rights published a “Dear Colleague Letter” outlining the current administration’s interpretation of the scope of the 2023 Supreme Court Ruling in Students for Fair Admissions vs. Harvard. The Education Department has said it will issue additional guidance soon and that compliance is a condition of receiving federal funding. 

Understandably, this has caused numerous questions regarding how the administration’s interpretation could affect institutions of higher education. We are closely reviewing the Dear Colleague Letter with our system colleagues and institutional peers to make sure our policies and practices continue to be consistent both with law and our institutional values.

We will continue to monitor this evolving situation. We will also continue to listen to one another’s concerns and questions, offering support and resources where appropriate. UIS remains committed to our mission, vision and values while operating within all applicable laws.

Please continue to share resources or ask questions by messaging chancellor@uis.edu. We are experiencing a period of significant uncertainty, yet our shared commitment to our university community’s success and well-being will remain our top focus.

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield