President Donald Trump got to work right away signing executive orders and trying to reform the Federal Government. A few orders stood out as especially concerning and controversial to VTSU faculty and students, but further explanation may relieve concerns.

 Trump’s efforts to do away with DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives, such as DEI training in the workforce, are getting quite a bit of push back. Still, VTSU’s plans to deal with those orders may provide some comfort to faculty and students who are concerned about what it might mean for the future of VTSU.

 VTSU President David Bergh realizes how essential it is to stick to the institution’s values and how important the office of DEISJ is to uphold those values.

 “Ensuring an environment in which everyone feels welcome and supported and in which respectful discourse from diverse perspectives is encouraged and celebrated, is at the core of the VTSU experience,” he explained.

 Chief Diversity Officer Paul Yoon agrees to Bergh’s testament.

 “At Vermont State University, we know the strength of our institution is in the quality of our people, and we are guided by our community values: respect, integrity, student success, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice,” he said.

 “We will always hold to these values so we can co-create a community in which each one of us can make our best contribution.”

 Yoon explained how fortnate it is for the injunctions granted on the orders targeting DEI.

 “Right now, I am grateful that a preliminary injunction has been granted on two of President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the federal level,” he said.

 However, federal regulations must also be followed while respecting VTSU community values.

 “In addition to upholding our values, it is essential that we follow the law and remain in compliance with pertinent federal and state regulations,” Bergh said.

 Yoon furthered this notion, stating VTSU’s commitment to legality while maintaining its values.

 “As we have said before, we have always followed the law and remain in compliance with all pertinent federal and state laws,” he said.

 Bergh gave his assurance that VTSU does not run the risk of ignoring regulations or doing away with DEI initiatives.

 “The good news is that we do(follow regulations), including via the work of our DEISJ office,” he ensured. “Recent guidance from the administration confirmed that DEI work in and of itself is not prohibited.”

 Yoon provided similar feedback about VTSU’s compliance with federal regulations.

“In a recent document, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights confirmed that non-discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and educational, cultural, or historical observances are not in and of themselves illegal, and to our knowledge, everything we have done and plan to do at VTSU is legal and constitutional.”

 Yoon also noted that our future responses will depend on any future developments. But he remains hopeful and positive.

 “I think it is also important to note that if the law changes, our response to those changes will depend on those specific changes,” he said.

 “I am grateful for President Bergh’s leadership on these issues. His calm, measured, and rational approach to this rapidly evolving situation continues to be a bright spot for me.”

 Bergh gave further information about what exactly is prohibited according to the administration.

 “What is prohibited are activities or policies that discriminate against specific groups or individuals, under the auspices of DEI work or otherwise,” he explained. “Our offerings, programming, and organizations are open to all and do not discriminate.”

 Bergh addressed the concerns regarding the dismemberment of DEI offices in other institutions as well, claiming that VTSU did not succumb to the fear tactics.

 “You may have seen that some institutions chose to preemptively shutter and disband DEI offices or elements of its work. We did not,” he claimed in defiance. “We remain committed to celebrating the inclusivity of perspectives and backgrounds that make up our University community.”