Dear campus community,

The recent U.S. Presidential Executive Order that prohibits training in “divisive concepts” related to “race and sex stereotyping” or “race or sex scapegoating” has raised many questions and concerns for the University of Utah campus. Let us be clear that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Utah remains unchanged. We are a stronger, better university when we fully include all people and work to address bias and racism in all its forms. As the state’s flagship university, our work to advance diversity and equity will and must continue.

At present, there is a lot of uncertainty about the implications of this order. What we do know now is that most provisions took effect immediately on Sept. 22, 2020, (impacting federal agencies and programs of the uniformed services such as ROTC) and a complaint hotline began operating at the end of September. We also know that restrictions on campus training and programs are scheduled to be enacted on federal contracts on Nov. 21, 2020. The implementation date of the order for federal grants has not been set at this time.

If you have questions about an individual grant or contract, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Research at vproffice@utah.edu. Members of our campus leadership team are consulting with our higher education associations in an effort to both understand this executive order and to limit its impact on our diversity education and training efforts, and we will update you as more information becomes available.

Ruth Watkins
President

Dan Reed
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mike Good
Senior Vice President for Health Sciences