President Eli Capilouto said the University of Kentucky is responding to recent executive orders made by the Trump administration in an email to the campus community.
On Feb. 28, Capilouto addressed how many students are “concerned and anxious” about potential changes in higher education, what is currently happening in executive orders and how the university plans to combat this.
“We are in a moment where I believe we need to communicate even more often with our campus community,” Capilouto said.
According to the email, lawsuits have been filed against cuts to NIH research grants by organizations including the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which UK is a member of.
“A federal judge has since kept in place a temporary order blocking these cuts,” Capilouto said.
The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to universities issuing guidance outlining the department’s “legal interpretation” relating to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) during the admissions process and programming on campus, according to Capilouto.
Capilouto announced that UK will be complying with these executive orders and actions due to Supreme Court rulings and policy changes that have been previously implemented.
According to the letter, UK has been tracking state bills and proposals in Frankfort, Kentucky that could affect the community.
“We have been pleased with the conversations we’ve had with lawmakers, who understand the importance of what we do on behalf of a state we have been called to serve,” Capilouto said.
The letter addressed the importance of communication, and that UK will be communicating what they know while monitoring issues that could affect the university’s campus and the Commonwealth.
Capilouto has directed his senior leaders to engage “intentionally and strategically” to update specific groups impacted by issues from executive orders, according to the letter.
“Please keep doing the outstanding work that only you can do for Kentucky. My pledge to you is that I — and others on our team — will work tirelessly every day to tell the compelling story of what you do to advance Kentucky,” Capilouto said.
According to the letter, all updated information relating to federal regulations and executive orders can be found at the Office of the President’s website and to contact [email protected] with questions.
