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Dear Members of the Sarah Lawrence Community,
In light of the rapidly evolving national landscape, I’m writing today to share some reflections as well as affirm our commitments as an institution. The early days of the new presidential administration have brought numerous executive orders and policy shifts that are causing widespread uncertainty. In addition to potential impacts on the College specifically and higher education more broadly, these developments deeply and directly affect members of our community in various and personal ways. As we navigate this moment and the days ahead together, I want to first and foremost assure you that the focus of the College remains clear and unwavering: to provide an environment in which all of our students can access and fully partake in this transformative education – an education that is more necessary than ever. We continue to be guided in this work by our mission: to foster a diverse and global community of learners, to nurture critical thought, to inspire intellectual courage, to cultivate engaged citizenship, and, above all, to prepare our students to solve the problems of, and thrive in, a complex and rapidly evolving world.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to certain core principles: non-discrimination and respect for the flourishing of every individual; academic freedom; free expression; and mutual respect. We remain keenly aware of the need to defend and support the most vulnerable among us. And we believe — indeed, we know— that a diversity of perspectives enriches learning, deepens empathy, and broadens our understanding of the world. These principles are not just a set of ideals; rather, they are the foundation of who we are and what we stand for as an institution of higher education.
As I shared with you in November, the College’s ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to the rapid changes of late is bolstered by its membership in a number of organizations with which we collaborate and from whom we receive helpful guidance at both the national and state levels. Indeed it is through these institutions and associations that I believe the College can most effectively respond to proposed changes in federal policy and voice our concerns. I write this having just returned from Washington, DC, where with fellow college and university presidents I participated in the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) annual meeting and advocacy day. Aptly, the theme of the meeting was “Advocacy Amidst Upheaval: Thriving in an Uncertain Political Era”. Working with NAICU and our other partners, I am focused on the most pressing policy issues affecting nonprofit, private higher education in general, and Sarah Lawrence in particular. These include issues related to gender identity and expression, international students and immigration, DEI, academic freedom and free speech, and funding for higher education, including especially all aspects of federal student aid funding. We are also closely monitoring three key legislative areas: Title IV, Title VI, and Title IX, all of which have enormous bearing on colleges and universities and the students we serve. NAICU’s analyses are public and I encourage you to explore their website for concise and up-to-date overviews of the tsunami of information coming out in the form of Executive Orders and their potential impact on higher education.
With and through our partners in higher education, we are advocating on behalf of our students and the College tirelessly. But even more persuasive and important will be the collective voices of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families reaching out directly to their respective elected officials in Congress. I encourage you to make your voice heard in the days and months ahead on the issues that matter most to you. You can visit https://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ to find and reach out to your Representative, and https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/ to do the same with your home state Senators.
My time in Washington was a powerful confirmation of why and how much I value our Sarah Lawrence community and also a powerful reminder that Sarah Lawrence does not face these challenges in isolation. Likewise, the College is steadfast in its commitment that the members of our community will not face these challenges in isolation. We have been and will continue to reach out directly to students who may be most affected by these changes as we continue developing resources to support them.
I have long said that our community is our strength. On a walk down Bates hill today after returning from DC, I was heartened by the message painted on the free expression board by students at the start of this semester, which reads: Unity is the key to our future. More than a reflection of our community’s hope and resilience, these words are a potent reminder that we are stronger together. As we move forward, I am confident that we will hold fast to this truth, supporting one another with purpose and conviction, and reaffirming our commitment to the values that define us and that make Sarah Lawrence the transformative place that it is.
Yours,
Cristle Collins Judd
President
president@sarahlawrence.edu
Instagram: @slcprez