VCU news

Dear colleagues,

Like other institutions, VCU is closely monitoring recent White House executive orders and agency directives. To help keep you informed, we have created a new website about federal actions that have affected – or may in the future affect – VCU. 

This augments the existing website focused on research-related federal issues. Please visit the new site for the latest information and updates.

A recent federal action came on Feb. 14, when the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a “Dear Colleague” letter to educational institutions nationwide. The letter states, in part, institutions are prohibited “from using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life. Put simply, educational institutions may neither separate or segregate students based on race, nor distribute benefits or burdens based on race."

Institutions have been given 14 days to ensure compliance with civil rights laws or possibly risk the loss of federal funding. 

Several weeks ago, we established a task force of university leaders to review and address the impact of the latest guidance. Our task force has been working diligently to determine how VCU policies, practices and documents relate to the Department of Education’s letter. 

Given the scope of this review and the short timeline, we are prioritizing key areas, have engaged college and school deans and other leaders and will engage faculty, staff and students as time allows. We are committed to keeping you informed. 

Following federal requirements and supporting all members of our university community are not mutually exclusive. VCU’s future remains focused on the success of our students, faculty and staff and an unwavering commitment to fostering a community where everyone belongs. 

Sincerely,

Michael Rao, President

Fotis Sotiropoulos, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Marlon Levy, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health

Meredith Weiss, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Faye Belgrave, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Officer