Case Western Reserve University’s Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Engagement has been replaced by the newly created Office of Campus Enrichment and Engagement, according to a March 26 email from President Eric Kaler. This change follows executive orders issued by the Trump administration aimed at eliminating DEI programs at institutions that receive federal funding.
“The executive orders (issued Jan. 20 and Jan. 21) to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in organizations receiving federal funding make clear that there are consequences for those who do not comply,” the email stated. “We have watched the evolution of the legal challenges to these executive orders, and, as we have seen among some of our peers already, it is clear we must be in compliance with them to receive the federal funding that is critical to our present and future.”
According to the email, the Office of Campus Enrichment and Engagement will focus on fostering community connections across CWRU and will also oversee the administration of the Gallup Engagement Survey, a questionnaire prompting responses regarding workplace satisfaction and company culture.
“This office will work to connect our community and offer programming that aligns with its new mission: Enriching our campus life through building community, active engagement, mindful learning and transformative civil dialogue,” Kaler wrote.
As of March 26, the Office for DEI Engagement’s website has been replaced by the Office for Campus Enrichment and Engagement, and more information about this new office will be added to the website, according to Kaler’s email.
“The Office for Campus Enrichment and Engagement seeks to champion the unique perspectives and experiences of each individual while connecting students, faculty, staff and postdocs as part of the broader Case Western Reserve University community,” the website states.
Kaler also mentioned that CWRU’s school-based programs will “see similar changes and staff roles may be adjusted to align with this new approach.” According to the Faculty Senate’s Feb. 24 meeting minutes, the faculty hiring process will be shifted from the Office for DEI Engagement to the Office of the Provost.
Kaler highlighted the importance of embracing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences within the community and how the university’s values of “civility and the free exchange of ideas,” “civic and international engagement” and “appreciation for the distinct perspectives and talents of each individual” will continue to be prevalent within the university.
He wrote, “It challenges us to think differently, to consider other perspectives and to constantly demand that we do better, and be better. Our institution has a long and proud history of offering a path to a better life for all, and we will continue to do so long into the future.”
In an email sent to the Undergraduate Diversity Collective (UDC) executive members on March 26, third-year UDC President Sofia Castro highlighted that “UDC-affiliated clubs already include a non-discrimination clause in their constitutions” and will continue to operate and receive funding without any changes.
She wrote, “I just got off a call with Travis Apgar, the vice president for student affairs, who assured me that student and alumni organizations centered around culture and diversity can continue to operate, as long as they do not deny membership or participation on the basis of religion, race, gender, or origin.”
When contacted by The Observer regarding the newly instated Office of Campus Enrichment and Engagement, the university declined additional comment.
The Observer will continue to report on the campus-wide effects of these changes.
Additional reporting contributed by Sports Editor Darcy Chew, Director of Design Auden Koetters, Executive Editor Shivangi Nanda and News Editors Vani Subramony and Zachary Treseler.