A Message from President Tarhule

August 1, 2025

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Office of the Attorney General of the United States issued a memo titled, "Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination," expanding on guidance published by the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights in the February 2025 "Dear Colleague Letter."

Illinois State University is a recipient of federal funding, and the memo emphasizes that antidiscrimination law applies to all recipient practices, programs, and initiatives, regardless of label, specifically including application to diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) practices, programs, and initiatives.

I recognize the anxiety and confusion some of you may be feeling about the impact of the changing federal landscape on higher education. The Institutional Resiliency Steering Team, in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel, is working to digest and understand the University’s legal obligations, ensuring we remain compliant while also respecting our core values. I suggest that we view this as an opportunity to strengthen our resiliency as an institution.

I am confident that, together, our Redbird community will successfully navigate these developments.

Thank you,

Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D.
President