Colleagues,
Many of you have reached out to me and other leadership across campus to express your deep concern about the recent Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping and the questions that it may raise for the delivery of training or educational programs that relate to issues of diversity (particular race or gender diversity), privilege, implicit bias, or systemic racism/sexism. My office is currently consulting with campus partners and reviewing the order as well as gathering additional information. The University of Illinois System is also actively reviewing the order as well.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign believes in the inherent and equal dignity of every person as an individual. We do not consider anyone inherently racist or sexist on account of their own race or sex, and remain steadfastly committed to using the full breadth of our knowledge and expertise to address systemic bias. We will continue our work to foster a respectful, tolerant, and inclusive campus for our community of scholars and maintain the principles of academic freedom and open dialogue about issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our efforts to comply with this executive order do not in any way change our expectations for inclusive behaviors and equitable practices on the part of our employees.
Our understanding of the situation is changing rapidly, and we will update you as we have more information. In the meantime, if you or your units have specific questions, please continue to reach out to my office. Please also keep your EEOs, HR, and Diversity Officers apprised of this information. More detailed guidance will be shared with you and the campus community in the coming days and weeks.
Sincerely,
Sean Garrick
Vice Chancellor
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion