May 30, 2025

Dear UD Community,

At the University of Delaware, we are deeply committed to a campus community that reflects the rich and complex diversity of human experience and that embraces possibilities for all. Each person brings a unique identity and perspective that enriches our dynamic campus culture in a way that emboldens all Blue Hens to thrive.

These values are bedrock foundational principles that have long guided UD’s mission of education, research and service to others. And our commitment to these values should involve constant inquiry through thoughtful reflection, research and respectful dialogue in order to evolve and improve how they are lived out each and every day.

We have established this webpage, which represents our commitment and tracks our progress in a collective campus-wide effort to ensure that our shared values are reflected in our language, programs and inclusive practices in a cohesive and comprehensive way for the long term.

This important work starts with an examination of how we currently operationalize our values around diversity in accordance with applicable law. Visit our updates page for more information about the evolving federal actions. There is much that will not change, and we uphold here the principles of academic freedom and the important role of faculty governance pertaining to the curriculum.  

Beginning in the summer and through the fall of 2025, we will be connecting with students, faculty, staff and alumni to reimagine and build a more unified and supportive UD culture. There will be opportunities to join conversations about enhancing the resources, services and campus experiences that make UD a place where everyone feels welcomed, included and empowered to succeed. During this phase, a task force led by José-Luis Riera, Vice President for Student Life and Interim Chief Diversity Officer, and John Ernest, chair, Department of English and Judge Hugh M. Morris Professor, will also be launched, which will guide the work throughout. Please visit this webpage for more information, as it will be updated periodically. We welcome your feedback and engagement; this will serve as a place to learn more, access resources, and share ideas.

We hope you will get involved, share your perspective and join us as we chart a new path together. We look forward to working with you.

Laura Carlson
Provost

José-Luis Riera
Vice President for Student Life and Interim Chief Diversity Officer