As a state institution, we are committed to adhering to all federal laws and policies. Otherwise, we risk losing financial aid for our students and research funding for our faculty. Approximately $210 million dollars is at stake.  

Recent federal policy changes have broad implications on Rowan that may result in our need to restructure departments and programs and ensure our programs and language we use on our website are inclusive of all.

Rowan has been actively planning for policy changes that could affect the University community and our research and teaching mission. In addition to establishing a University-wide committee focused on reviewing and evaluating major impacts to higher education, such as federal policy changes, Rowan also is actively monitoring the status of research funding.

For more information, visit our Federal Research Funding Updates page. For questions about changes affecting international students, visit our Know Your Rights page.

We have an obligation to the entire Rowan community, particularly to our students and employees, to make sure our work can continue. Failing to comply with the law could jeopardize student financial aid, federally funded research across a range of disciplines and projects, as well as continuing employment for our employees. As such, we will remain focused on our mission of educating our students, and will modify policies and practices as necessary to ensure compliance with federal law.

The executive order on DEI, and several other executive orders, have been temporarily restrained in courts.

The letter sent by the acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education, known as the Dear Colleague Letter, is another matter. It states that certain diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that confer benefits on members of a protected classification are illegal and colleges and universities must cease these activities no later than Feb. 28 or face potential loss of federal funding. The letter is separate from the executive order.

As an institution, we are examining how we continue making sure that we're fundamentally providing education, services and support to all of our students while implementing changes described in the letter.

As described in the Statement of Principles, Rowan remains committed to academic freedom. The free exchange of ideas on campus is essential to quality education and research. To achieve its potential, Rowan must provide academic freedom to allow and support inquiry. We will continue to foster an environment where students and scholars can create new knowledge and challenge conventional wisdom in any field—art, science, religion, politics and others—without fear of reprisal.

Dr. Houshmand's letter to the University community on Feb. 27 describes how programs like these have been realigned.

Rowan remains committed to supporting our students and creating an environment where all members of our community can thrive. Rowan is a public entity in the state of New Jersey and is subject to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, sex and sexual orientation, among many other protected classifications. Rowan will ensure that its campuses remain free from discrimination and that all members feel welcome.

For specific concerns, contact:

• The Wellness Center
• Human Resources
• The Center for Well-Being

Students, faculty and staff who have F-1/J-1 nonimmigrant visas should contact the International Center with any questions or concerns. For employees whose immigration status is based on their Rowan employment, please contact the Office of the General Counsel at (856) 256-5110 or legalreview@rowan.edu

Those with other types of visa concerns, independent from the University, are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney. Additional resources can be found here.

Rowan also offers a wealth of student wellness resources. Please visit The Wellness Center for more information. Faculty and staff can find assistance through Human Resources.