I am writing today to bring the campus community up to speed on activities over the last few months in response to federal and state policies that could impact Winthrop University. As I shared with the state legislature in early March, the institution is currently in the process of and will continue to review and evaluate policies, practices, programming, and activities offered to students and employees to ensure compliance with new and existing federal and state laws, regulations, provisos, Executive Orders, etc.
In my communication, I assured legislators Winthrop has no mandatory requirement on participation in any practice, program, or activity that we consider to be a “diversity, equity, or inclusion” initiative. With the fast-moving changes associated with DEI at the state and federal levels, Winthrop’s sincere intent is to respond appropriately and, in the spirit of cooperation, continue to provide our students with an excellent and affordable educational experience according to our stated mission, vision, and values.
With that in mind, I am meeting regularly with other public university presidents to discuss these matters, surrounding issues, and the actions we will take in response to inquiries we are receiving. These discussions are reflective of a great deal of unity around shared interests and values, and I am proud of and encouraged by that. Also, regarding proposed state legislation, we as presidents have agreed to wait until June when the legislative session concludes to see what happens with the proposed bills as they remain under discussion.
In the meantime, at Winthrop we have formed a task force of faculty, staff and students to devise an action plan for the campus community before the end of the semester. The task force is working on the following action items at my request:
I hope you feel some reassurance that our actions are appropriate and necessary as we continue to monitor all that is happening at the federal and state levels, but also closer to home here on campus. With the conversations I have had with some of you, I know that the lack of clarity and understanding on these matters is not only disheartening but also draining intellectually and emotionally. I just want you to know that you are seen, your concerns are heard, and that there is an engaged cadre of people here who are keeping Winthrop’s best interests at heart even with the legal considerations we must face. As a community we have always embraced the reality of different lived experiences, and we strongly believe in everyone’s right to exist and learn in a supportive and encouraging environment. We will continue to be that place of support and encouragement.
We are developing a webpage where we will post updates reflective of the task force’s efforts and the timing of legislative action. Our actions will be guided by compliance with the law, but as always, with our mission, vision and values top of mind. As the proposed legislation will not be finalized before the semester ends, we want this new website to be a place where you can go to see our progress.
Always an Eagle,
Edward
Edward A. Serna
President
