President Pinto shares recent DEI developments

As we shared with them, there was a significant development late on Friday when a U.S. District Judge in Baltimore granted a preliminary injunction to certain aspects of two of President Trump’s executive orders that seek to end government support for programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Provost Kristi Nelson and I are now working with our deans and vice presidents to adapt to reflect these developments.

We have heard from many faculty, staff and students who have shared questions and well-reasoned concerns. Please know that my team and I hear you, and we understand there is tremendous pain and anxiety around these issues. I want you to know that while the laws that govern us may change, the values that guide us will not. At my core, I believe there is great goodness in every member of our university community, and together we will successfully emerge from this time of immense change. Know that you have a place here, you belong here, and we will do everything in our power to provide you with an opportunity to meet your full potential as a member of the Bearcats community.

We face a new reality, but we face it knowing that we are stronger together. We know that when we treat others with equality and respect, we achieve incredible things. This belief has been transformational for our institution in allowing us to achieve our collective goals, while also improving each of us individually.

Finally, I recognize that when the stakes are this high, there is a desperate need for clarity. I share in your longing for information, and I commit to you that we will continue to work diligently to fully understand and communicate the implications of these new policies, directives and orders.

Warmest regards,

Neville G. Pinto

President