Executive Orders, Dear Colleague Letter, and the Pitzer Community

February 19, 2025

Dear Pitzer Community,

As I wrote last month, in today’s rapidly shifting political climate, it is more important than ever to uphold and protect Pitzer’s mission and core and community values. Since then, a flurry of new executive orders and federal policies have emerged. We remain steadfast as a community in our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive and respectful environment that leans strongly into our shared values. Our priority continues to be the well-being and safety of our community, particularly those most vulnerable to these changes.

Recent and proposed federal policies have impacts across a wide range of issues that affect our community and individuals within it, including, among others: immigration, transgender and gender-related rights, federal student financial aid, federal grants and research funding, DEI initiatives and programs, and Title IX regulations.

These issues continue to evolve (sometimes quite rapidly and abruptly), and we monitor them closely and in real time. Our approach is purposeful and planful, across multiple levels. Externally, we partner with other members of the Claremont consortium, as well as state and national higher-education associations and lobbying groups, to promote the best interests of our sector, our College, and our community. Internally, we focus tightly on supporting our campus community, and particularly its most vulnerable members. A non-exhaustive list of some key steps we have already taken or are in the process of implementing includes:

• LGBTQ+ Advocacy – In collaboration with the Queer Resource Center and with our own students, we are developing and maintaining resources for LGBTQ+ students and launching a dedicated website with support resources for transgender students, as well as addressing gender-affirming care concerns.
• Student and Financial Aid Support – We have revamped the Student Emergency Fund, increased mental health support services, and reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining current financial aid practices. We will continue individual outreach and collaborate with consortium partners and others to ensure students receive the support they need. Student Affairs staff is ready and equipped to assist students during these challenging times.
• Immigration Support – We have identified an immigration attorney to advise undocumented students and the College, increased outreach to individual students and employees, reinforced key support mechanisms, and planned and begun sharing information around “know your rights” training and protocols. Inquiries from federal agents or law enforcement to College offices, employees or students should be immediately directed to Vice President and Chief of Staff Jim Marchant, Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Andres Fernandez, or Campus Safety. Use the links above or call (909) 607-2000 and ask to be connected to Jim, Andres, or a Campus Safety official.
• Title IX – We are closely monitoring evolving regulatory changes and will keep the community informed. Until further notice, the 2020 Title IX regulations are in effect (and the 2024 regulations not operative). You can find more information about Title IX at Pitzer here.
• International Programs & Study Abroad – We are providing individualized guidance for students on visas and with travel concerns while working closely with professional associations and experts to navigate evolving policies.
• Employee Support – Human Resources is prepared to assist and has been reaching out to employees that need assistance, including those experiencing stress due to these political changes.
• Academic & Employment Implications – Academic freedom remains a priority, with no anticipated changes in our academic operations. Legal guidance indicates no immediate impact on faculty or staff holding H-1B or F-1 visas. As with all of these matters, we will continue to monitor closely.

At a recent board meeting, trustees discussed these challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to Pitzer’s values and mission. We are also engaged in active discussions with faculty, staff, Student Senate leadership, and other campus groups to ensure that our actions reflect the needs and concerns of our community.

The federal government has recently issued directives that may require institutional compliance, as outlined, for example, in the Dear Colleague Letter [PDF] that the Dept. of Education issued on Friday, February 14. It is important to note that Pitzer does not engage in identity-based or other forms of illegal discrimination. On the contrary, we maintain an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equity. While we may need to adapt to new policies, our core values remain unchanged, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that every individual—regardless of identity—feels supported and empowered on our campus. There is no room for exclusion, injustice, or discrimination at Pitzer College. To cite just one example: Despite the federal government's decision to withdraw protections for transgender individuals, we will continue to stand by our transgender students, faculty, and staff and their safety, dignity, and right to full participation in campus life.

As did the 2023 Supreme Court decision around the consideration of race in college admissions, new federal policies may require us to adjust certain initiatives designed to address historical injustices. Affirmative action and other diversity initiatives may be affected, but our commitment to fairness, inclusion, and respect is unwavering. Pitzer will continue to strive to achieve a campus environment that celebrates and elevates everyone in our community and fosters a deep sense of belonging for all.

We are a relatively young institution, but at the heart of Pitzer College lies an enduring and timeless mission: to be a community where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our shared purpose. These fundamental principles are not negotiable, and we will continue to uphold them with conviction.

Provida Futuri,

Strom C. Thacker
President