Message to the Community: Dear Colleague Letter
A Message from President Harring to the Muhlenberg CommunityFriday, February 28, 2025 11:00 AM
Dear Muhlenberg Community,
Over the past two weeks there has been much conversation about the “Dear Colleague” letter issued on February 14 by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Historically, “Dear Colleague” letters have been used to convey an administration’s interpretation of existing law.
The most recent “Dear Colleague” letter outlines the current administration’s framing of the Supreme Court ruling in the 2023 case of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SSFA) that banned the use of race in admissions. It describes how it plans to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin by institutions of higher education that receive federal funding. The OCR letter takes a broader interpretation of the SSFA ruling, holding that institutions of higher education should also be prohibited from considering race in "hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic and campus life.”
Muhlenberg’s practices have always been in compliance with federal and state regulations. To date, there have not been any changes to established federal or state laws. In consultation with higher education professional organizations, leaders of peer institutions, and college counsel, we continue to seek clarity about any action that could result from this letter. Meanwhile, over the past two weeks the Equity and Inclusion Leadership Team has carefully reviewed Muhlenberg’s policies and practices to consider potential impacts. It is incumbent upon us to follow a process of due diligence. Again, while there have been no changes to established law, as a community we will continue to consider how to clearly describe programs and services and how they advance our mission and values.
In times of uncertainty and disruption we are guided by our mission and values—our north star. Muhlenberg’s mission is to develop graduates who are ready to lead and serve in a diverse global society. Our students are “independent critical thinkers who are intellectually agile, characterized by a zest for reasoned and civil debate, committed to understanding the diversity of the human experience, able to express ideas with clarity and grace, committed to lifelong learning, and equipped with ethical and civic values.” We are strongly committed to fostering a learning environment that aligns with our mission to provide an intellectually rigorous education within the context of an inclusive and diverse campus. Each facet of the Muhlenberg experience—the curriculum, college life programs, student services—is shaped by and advances our institutional mission.
Our red doors are a reminder of our institutional values of respect and openness to the unique identities and experiences of all members of our community. That radical hospitality which is central to our identity, both past and present, means that each individual is welcomed, supported, recognized and valued in our community. It means we understand that our community members have different needs and that addressing those needs is essential to human flourishing and success.
Inclusive excellence is a responsibility each of us shares. Thank you for all you do to make this a reality.
Sincerely,
Kathleen E. Harring, Ph.D
President
