Managing Recent Executive Orders

Dear Students and Colleagues,

There are a number of Executive Orders, memoranda, and directives from the White House that may have significant impacts on higher education and have understandably generated confusion within our community.

First and foremost, I assure you that Drexel University remains committed to our mission of educating our students and creating knowledge for the public good. We already have in place teams to monitor the situation and manage our responses to directives. Right now, our colleagues in University leadership are analyzing Executive Orders and actions to understand the implications for our community and academic mission, to ensure continued compliance with the law, and to guide our response.

Moreover, through robust systems and processes that are managed by experienced professionals, our University is always prepared to respond to federal policy changes while safeguarding our community’s interests and well-being.

Please bear in mind sorting and unpacking the many Executive Orders and directives will take time. Universities have not yet received guidance from federal agencies, and many of the orders are subject to legal challenge or will require Congressional action.

Our University is prepared to navigate these changes with precision, professionalism, and steadiness. We will lobby energetically and effectively for Drexel with lawmakers in Washington and Harrisburg. We also will continue to work closely with our partners and peer organizations to amplify higher education’s collective voice. And as more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates and communicate directly to our community members who may be affected.

I recognize that there is a lot for our community to process. But we will methodically work through whatever challenges lie ahead, we will stay true to our mission, and we will stay true to our shared values. As long as we continue to afford one another dignity, respect, and grace, I have no doubt that our community will emerge from all the challenges we face stronger and more united than ever.

Sincerely,

Denis P. O’Brien
Interim President