Dear Fort Lewis College Community,

On February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague Letter to all educational institutions nationwide, outlining their understanding of educational institutions' obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The letter expands the interpretation of the Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard —which prohibited the use of race in admissions— to various aspects of education and student and campus life, including hiring, promotion, financial aid, scholarships, discipline, and housing. It targets Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs they believe might be in violation of the law. According to the letter, federal agencies will begin assessing compliance with the new guidelines starting February 28, 2025. 

Separately, on Friday, February 21, a federal district court judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking several elements of recent executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI/DEIA). 

While we are confident that Fort Lewis College currently complies with the law, our leadership team is actively reviewing our policies and programs to ensure continued compliance and alignment with federal requirements. We are engaged in discussions with legal experts and higher education leaders across Colorado and are in direct communication with the attorney general’s office, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and other key stakeholders. 

We’ve also been in contact with state legislators and Colorado's congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., advocating for FLC and discussing how federal policy changes may affect our college and community. These conversations reinforce our deep commitment to ensuring that FLC remains a place of opportunity and access for all students.

We recognize that national policy shifts can create uncertainty and are committed to keeping you informed. Despite these changes, our focus remains clear: Fort Lewis College will continue to provide the resources, support, and opportunities that empower our students while equipping our faculty and staff to excel. 

Academic freedom and the ability to pursue knowledge freely is core to our mission, as is our commitment to serving our diverse students and communities. Our mission to foster an equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for FLC students remains unchanged.

We will continue to be transparent and provide timely updates. Thank you for being part of this community and for your continued dedication to our students. 

Sincerely,

Steve Schwartz
Interim President, Fort Lewis College