Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Background
On February 14, 2025, a Dear Colleague Letter was issued indicating the Department’s interpretation of current law in relation to admissions, spending, programs, and other activities identified as discriminatory based on race. Other Executive Orders continue to be issued at the federal level related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The University is monitoring these changing federal policies. We want to assure everyone in our community that we value the programs and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion, which strengthen our teaching and research. We are not rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University, and we are not making preemptive changes to our existing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
May we continue offering and promoting upcoming DEI-related events and programs?
Yes. The University is not rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and is not making preemptive changes to existing programs.
Is there approved language for invitations to events and programs that may seek to center the experiences of a particular group?
Yes. Events and programs must advertise as open to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
How does the Dear Colleague letter affect University operations?
The University will continue to monitor these changing federal policies. We value the activities that support diversity and inclusion, which strengthen our teaching and research.
Resources
Find more information about the University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
- Find localized, campus-specific resources systemwide for students, faculty, and staff.
- The University’s Administrative Policy on Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Names and Pronouns provides, among other things, that university members may access restrooms and use pronouns that correspond with their gender identities.
- The University’s Administrative Policy on Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other protected characteristics.
- Community members who believe they have experienced discrimination or have questions about these university policies should contact their campus Equal Opportunity Office.
The Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, and education based on race, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.