Dear Students and Colleagues, 

As we prepare to return from spring break, I wanted to share an update related to the guidance coming out of Washington, D.C. 

On March 1, the Department of Education (ED) released a Frequently Asked Questions document related to its Feb. 14 Dear Colleague letter, which addresses federal concerns regarding illegal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. As I shared on Feb. 17, we have been carefully reviewing this guidance and taking extra care to confirm that our policies and practices are in compliance with applicable law.  

Historically, Temple’s policies, programs and practices have been in compliance with the guidance shared by ED, and we remain confident in our approach. Over the last several weeks, I have consistently shared that Temple’s mission of providing educational access and experiential opportunities to individuals from every walk of life will not change. At Temple, students are at the heart of everything we do. Our unwavering commitment is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive and inclusive environment for all. We continue to invest in initiatives that empower students from all backgrounds, with the recently launched Temple Future Scholars serving as the latest example.  

We also recognize the importance of open dialogue and encourage students to engage in robust and civil conversations about critical topics. This is a core tenet of our university, but we must do it in a way that aligns with applicable law, Temple policies and community standards. 

In addition to the March 1 FAQ, there have been statements made by the new administration in Washington about consequences for illegal protests on university campuses. I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce our support for members of our community to engage in peaceful protests, consistent with Temple’s demonstration guidelines, which describe the manner for holding on-campus demonstrations in accordance with applicable laws and ordinances. These guidelines are to be considered alongside First Amendment protections for protestors and are intended to ensure that individuals can fully express themselves, while allowing others to pursue their educational and employment opportunities. 

This is an uncertain and fluid environment which has generated a wide range of reactions across higher education. Please know that we will continue to navigate this challenging landscape deliberately and thoughtfully while remaining steadfast in our mission. 

Sincerely,  

John Fry  
President