Rowan University announced a major reorganization of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on Feb. 27 in relation to a federal directive by President Donald Trump’s administration to end DEI efforts for colleges and universities across the nation. Otherwise, they’ll lose federal funding.

This comes after a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) was issued by the United States Department of Education (DOE) on Feb. 14. The letter mandates that all colleges and universities that receive federal funding must eliminate all DEI programs that provide benefits based on race and other protected classifications by Feb. 28.

Rowan issued an email to the college community on Feb. 27 stating that it has made adjustments to ensure adherence to the mandate while maintaining its commitment to supporting students and fostering an inclusive campus environment. 

“We recognize that navigating these shifts may create uncertainty, but we are confident this process will help us strengthen the inclusive and student-centered environment that defines Rowan University,” said Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan University in a letter issued to the campus community.

The changes being made also include leadership reassignments and departmental restructuring.

Rowan’s Accessibility Services, led by John Woodruff, and the Center for Neurodiversity, led by Chiara Latimer, will now be a part of the Division of Student Affairs and University College under the leadership of Vice President Rory Mcelwee. 

The new Center for Belonging and Student Engagement leadership will fall under Dominique Pierson and will now be part of the Center for Well-Being, which is under the guidance of Kha’ Salder.

Another notable change is Naima Hall’s transfer into her new role as assistant vice president of Wellness Inclusivity at the Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she will be reporting to Anne Jones, Ph.D, assistant dean of student affairs.

Bill Freind is the President of Rowan University Senate. He says these orders from the Trump Administration are unlike any higher education has seen over the course of history.

 “The Dear Colleague Letter was really an extreme and unprecedented letter, and I think the only word you can use is ‘threat,’” said Freind. “Comply in 14 days or lose your funding– this is something we’ve never seen before.” 

Rowan has committed to keeping students informed via email as it continues to evaluate its programs and policies. The university’s administration has created a dedicated webpage, “Addressing Federal Policy Changes Affecting Our Community” to provide further information on how these changes will impact Rowan’s operations.

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