Skip to main content
Info for:
Home/ Office of the President/ Update on Dept. of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter

main content Update on Dept. of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter

February 21, 2025

Dear L&C Community,

We are writing to update you about Lewis & Clark’s response to the “Dear Colleague” letter issued by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights on Friday, February 14. The letter outlines the new administration’s interpretation of federal civil rights laws, particularly Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The letter applies the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision regarding the use of racial preferences in college admissions to many other aspects of campus life.

In this moment, it is important to make two points clear:

One, we have and will continue to value and acknowledge the importance of integrating diverse lived experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints in all we do. Our institution remains committed to our values and our mission. We are committed to expanding pathways to higher education and to building an inclusive and supportive community where everyone can thrive.

And, two, it has always been and remains the policy of Lewis & Clark College to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and all other anti-discrimination laws and to not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin. We know that there are concerns about affinity groups and clubs on campus. We do not believe that the letter impacts such groups because our programs are open to all community members regardless of background.

It should also be noted that while a “Dear Colleague” letter “does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards,” we need to take this letter, and all other guidance and direction coming from government agencies, very seriously. We are conducting a review of existing college practices and programs to assure compliance with existing law and will monitor the situation carefully to address further developments.

We support all of our students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. That is part of the strength of this community and we are proud to stand by it.

What is most important is that we continue to do the work that advances the mission of Lewis & Clark College and continue to live our values through our actions.

Sincerely,

Robin H. Holmes-Sullivan

President

 

Danielle Torres

Dean of Equity and Inclusion

Acting Vice President for Student Life

The Office of the President is located in Frank Manor House on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 33

email 

voice 503-768-7680 
fax 503-768-7688 

President Robin Holmes-Sullivan

  • The Office of the President
    Lewis & Clark
    615 S. Palatine Hill Road 
    Portland OR 97219

More Stories

Let’s finish strong!

Dear L&C community,

Welcome back to campus and to the last weeks of spring semester. I hope you were able to recharge over the break and are ready for the final sprint to the finish line.

While there is a lot of troubling news these days in both our country and in the wider world, I want you to know that I wake up each day focused on advancing our institution’s mission, which is to provide the best possible education so our students can achieve their dreams.

That’s why I want to take a moment to celebrate you, our amazing students, who are doing incredible things. Every day I hear about another amazing project or achievement. You should all be so proud of yourselves. Whether it’s undergraduate Finn Watson BA ’26 earning a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, the Environmental Moot Court Team securing a championship, an exhibit of artwork from pre-professionals in our Art Therapy program, or the Natural History Club hosting a week-long celebration of the wonders of moss, our students are getting noticed and making an impact. And, of course, the support of our top-notch staff and faculty is vital to making such achievements possible.

I am deeply proud to lead this purposeful, caring, inquisitive and collaborative community.

Enjoy our beautiful campus as the weather warms and the flowers bloom.

Let’s all finish strong!

Robin H. Holmes-Sullivan

President

Composition with group of multiracial employees, managers or office workers moving boxes to assemble towers. Vector illustration
Career Success

L&C Launches New Career Accelerator “Turbocharged” by $5M Commitment

This transformational approach to career readiness will integrate career competencies and work-ready skills into every undergraduate’s academic journey; a commitment from Heidi Hu BS ’85 and Daniel Hsieh establishes an endowment to support it.

Strategic Imperatives Advisory Council Survey

Strategic Imperatives Advisory Council Update