Dear Swarthmore Campus Community Members,

Although I generally refrain from commenting on national and international affairs unless they directly affect the Swarthmore community, I believe we’ve crossed that threshold. The various executive orders, possible legislation, and other actions under discussion in Washington, D.C., raise serious questions and concerns about the potential impact on higher education broadly and our community specifically. They address issues central to our institutional values, from immigration and our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to research funding and financial aid resources to the rights of transgender individuals and freedom of expression on college campuses.

Let me state unequivocally that the College remains committed to doing everything within its power and to the fullest extent of the law to protect the safety and well-being of our community members. We are closely monitoring this rapidly evolving landscape and working to ensure we anticipate, plan for, and react to these changes and proposals.

Outreach to those on campus who may be most vulnerable to these actions is underway. For instance, staff members in Student Affairs are in direct contact with students facing immigration-related concerns; the General Counsel’s Office is meeting with offices and departments across campus to educate individuals on how the College responds to law enforcement or immigration officials seeking information or access to campus; and the Provost’s Office continues to provide updates and resources for faculty on federal grants and funding. These and additional outreach efforts will continue as the dynamics continue to change.

Beyond campus, we are in close contact with our state and federal associations and advocacy groups that regularly work on matters related to government affairs. Several of my senior staff colleagues and I spent part of last week in Washington with college and university leaders from across the country and federal lawmakers to discuss the impact of the actions and issues raised so far, advocate for our institutions and communities, and begin planning for what might come next.

Our efforts are just beginning. As we navigate these fraught times together, please remember to care for yourselves and each other. Check on your friends, students, and colleagues who are feeling especially vulnerable right now. And take advantage of the support and resources offered by the College.

I also encourage us to remember that a liberal arts education is a beacon of light and possibility. The Swarthmore community has always been a place where even the most dire challenges inspire creative solutions and innovation and where the power of knowledge transforms both individuals and societies. Together, we have the capacity to rise to this moment — through our intellectual curiosity, our collaborative spirit, our compassion, and our unwavering commitment to our mission to serve the common good. Let us move forward with courage and purpose, confident that the work we do today will help shape a better future for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Val Smith
President