Task Force formed to respond to presidential executive orders

Dear RIT community,

I am writing to update you on the recent executive actions taken by the Trump administration that may impact our research projects, our immigration policies, and our efforts to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. These developments are understandably causing concern among many of you, and I want to assure you that we are fully aware of the challenges these actions may present. As I noted a few weeks ago, our commitment to supporting all of you—students, faculty, staff, and researchers—remains steadfast. We are carefully studying the implications of these edicts to determine the best course of action moving forward.

We have formed an Executive Order Task Force to ensure we hear all voices across the campus. The Task Force, chaired by Vice President and Legal Counsel Bobby Colon, will recommend any potential changes impacting DEI programs, preferences, mandates, policies, and activities. We will continue to advocate through our federal elected officials and higher education organizations.

To be clear, much of what we are hearing from the White House is via executive orders. They are not laws. Instead, they are instructions from the President to federal agencies setting the presidential agenda. Many of these executive orders and federal agency directives affecting higher education are currently on hold and face legal challenges.

The RIT administration is fully dedicated to understanding the full scope of these executive orders, ensuring that we comply with all existing laws and regulations, and protecting the well-being of everyone in our community. We recognize that the challenges before us may create anxiety and test our resolve. Please be assured that we are working tirelessly to ensure that these actions do not undermine the core values that make our university a genuinely exceptional place to learn, grow, discover, and thrive.

Please also know that very little has changed on our campus. As of January 1, our DEI programs were all legal. Since that date, no relevant laws have changed. In the realm of research, we have more than 460 “active” federal awards. We have only one award that has been terminated. RIT’s Sponsored Research Services has established a webpage to track updates and agency guidance as it is received. Please check regularly for agency updates.

The Task Force will make assessments and recommendations to our administration. In turn, the administration is working hand-in-hand with our Board of Trustees. We will report back when we have more clarity. In the meantime, let’s continue the work we are called to: education, scholarship, and public service, all with the intent of doing good in the world.

Sincerely,
David Munson
President