May 15, 2025, update
The American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Association of American Universities (AAU), and the American Council on Education (ACE), earlier this week released a joint statement, affirming the seriousness of antisemitism on campus and a pledge from these organizations, representing the full breadth of American higher educational institutions, to “continuing consequential reform and transparent action.” The statement also notes that, “[i]n the name of combating antisemitism, the federal government has recently taken steps that endanger the research grants, academic freedom, and institutional autonomy of America’s higher education sector.”
The statement was co-signed by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), and American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Marquette University is a NAICU member.
Read the full joint statement on the AAU website.
April 25, 2025, update
Judges temporarily block U.S. Department of Education from cutting funding from schools that do not cease DEI initiatives, as outlined in DOE Dear Colleague letter
On April 24, federal judges in Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., ruled in three separate cases that the U.S. Department of Education cannot enforce against or cut funding to K-12 schools and universities that did not cease DEI initiatives as outlined in the February 14 “Dear Colleague” letter issued by the Department of Education.
These rulings are not final decisions on the merits of the lawsuits, but they block the enforcement as each case awaits further rulings.
Given the fluidity of the situation, staff and faculty are asked to refrain from making updates to any web pages or other disclosures unless provided guidance to do so by the Office of General Counsel or the Office and Marketing and Communication.
March 3, 2025, update
U.S. Department of Education releases FAQ regarding ‘Dear Colleague’ letter
The Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education released frequently asked questions on Saturday, March 1, regarding its Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague” Letter. The Dear Colleague Letter set forth the nondiscrimination obligations of schools, colleges, universities and other entities that receive federal funds.
FAQ are consistent with the Dear Colleague Letter but expand on them by providing some specific examples
Notably, the FAQ clarifies that educational, cultural and historical observances and programs focused on interests of cultures, heritages and areas of the world are permissible if they are open to all students.
The FAQ reiterates that intentional segregation or exclusion based on race remains legally indefensible, unless programming, graduation ceremonies, housing or other aspects of campus life are open to all, which aligns with Marquette’s current, inclusive approach.
Marquette leaders have been monitoring the situation since the “Dear Colleague” letter was issued. A working group representing areas across campus is meeting regularly and discussing what – if any – changes to policies or procedures need to be made based on this updated guidance.
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, Marquette remains steadfast in its commitment to serve all as a welcoming learning community that is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment means working with students, faculty and staff to navigate these changes and ensuring all in our community know they are valued and supported. With heightened concerns about immigration, identity, processes and culture, Marquette reminds students, faculty and staff about existing policies and resources in place to support those in our community who are feeling especially stressed and anxious.
Members of the Marquette community should continue to follow the university’s campus resources and guidance related to federal actions, which will be updated as necessary.
Feb. 26, 2025, update
National higher education groups call on Department of Education to rescind recent “Dear Colleague” letter
The American Council on Education yesterday sent a letter co-signed by 68 higher education organizations to the Department of Education, calling on the agency to rescind its recent “Dear Colleague” letter that was meant to clarify its position on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and programs in higher education. Marquette leaders have been monitoring the situation since the “Dear Colleague” letter was issued on Feb. 14.
ACE and its cosignatories, including the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, explained how the “Dear Colleague” letter “has only led to confusion on campuses about their compliance responsibilities.” This confusion arises from the fact that “efforts to build inclusive and diverse campus communities are neither discriminatory nor illegal.” Indeed, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts explicitly noted in the admissions practices case referenced above that diversity-related goals in higher education are both “commendable” and “plainly worthy.”
The Office of Civil Rights’ threats of enforcement actions to begin by Feb. 28 — with no guidance on how the OCR views the values noted above, or how the OCR understands all affected institutions’ First Amendment speech and free exercise of religion protections, along with their Fifth Amendment due process protections — puts our nation’s colleges and universities in an impossible position.
Accordingly, the higher education leaders asked Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor to provide their institutions with the clarity that law and basic fairness requires. Until that clarity occurs, the higher education leaders stated, Trainor should rescind the “Dear Colleague” letter.
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, Marquette University — a member of the AJCU, ACCU and WAICU — remains steadfast in its commitment to serve all as a welcoming learning community that is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment means working with students, faculty and staff to navigate these changes and ensuring all in our community know they are valued and supported. With heightened concerns about immigration, identity, processes and culture, Marquette University reminds students, faculty and staff about existing policies and resources in place to support those in our community who are feeling especially stressed and anxious.
Members of the Marquette community should continue to follow the university’s campus resources and guidance related to federal actions, which will be updated as necessary.
Watch Marquette Today for updates.
