Dear Students and Colleagues, 

The current higher education landscape remains complex and challenging, and I know that impacts all of us in significant ways, personally and professionally. Recent executive actions threaten to substantially impact universities like Temple across the country. Enforcement actions have been initiated against individual institutions. Yesterday, an executive order was issued directing the closure of the federal Department of Education. While the ultimate impact of this order is still unclear, it adds to the uncertainty for K–12 schools and postsecondary institutions across the country. 

Temple has long been a university that provides opportunities for all students, regardless of background, and our students contribute to the strength and vitality of our city, commonwealth and country. In times like these, we are reminded of Russell Conwell's message of opportunity, hard work and personal responsibility, which is at the core of what we stand for at Temple. Every one of us, no matter where we come from, has the potential to succeed, and this university is dedicated to fostering that success. 

While this is a difficult environment to navigate, at Temple we are committed to continuing to fulfill our mission while complying with applicable laws and obligations. We are doing so thoughtfully and methodically, with the well-being of our students, faculty and staff always at the forefront of our actions. 

Uncertain times will naturally elicit a wide range of reactions within a community as large and diverse as Temple's. This is to be expected, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes a diversity of thought, opinion, speech and peaceful expression. 

As we grapple with these challenges and the emotions they create, there are limits to what is permissible. The intimidation or targeting of any individual or group based on their identity is simply not acceptable. One group’s speech or demonstration should never impair or deny another’s educational or employment opportunities. The university will take all appropriate actions to ensure that this does not occur on our campus. 

Anyone who witnesses behavior of this nature is encouraged to submit a report or ask a question through the university’s helpline or the Ethics and Compliance Office, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office, or the Department of Public Safety. Additionally, we have support services available, such as Tuttleman Counseling Services and our Employee Assistance Program, for anyone in need of assistance during these challenging times. 

We are likely to face more uncertainty in the weeks and months ahead, but we will do so together. As I have said before, please take care of yourselves, take care of each other and show grace to those with whom you disagree. We are here to learn and to grow—not just individually, but as a community. We come from many different places and have a variety of perspectives, but we share a core of common values that brought us all to Temple University; that, in fact, may be our greatest strength. Now is the time to lean into those values and focus on what unites us. 

Sincerely, 

John Fry 
President