Donald Keough and Ella Kitchens, News Editor & Features Editor–
The Department of Justice released a memo on July 29 describing the government’s view of how anti-discrimination laws should be enforced.
The letter was addressed to any institution receiving federal funding, which includes Denison.
There have been many changes made by the Trump administration targeting diversity policies, but this memo aims to more succinctly define what the administration believes are violations of anti-discrimination laws.
The university has been adapting to the memo in different ways.
“To follow the law while still supporting all students, we’ve been looking at how spaces are used and how student organizations describe themselves,” Vice President for Student Life Dr. Ric Hall said in an emailed response.
He also said that some changes may include updating organization mission statements “with the long-standing student handbook requirement that organizations be open to all students.”
“Only a small number of changes are needed, and we’re working closely with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to make them,” Hall said.
One of the points illustrated by the memo discusses exclusionary spaces. These spaces, it argues, caters to certain groups of students and ultimately exclude others.
This led to the universities’ decision to remove the Black Student Union (BSU) Lounge’s name and remove the sign from their space, according to a statement released by the Black Student Union. Currently, the lounge hasn’t been renamed. They were informed on Sept. 2 that this was a proposed change.
BSU was originally told there would be further conversations; however on Sept. 3, the university went through with the removal process. BSU criticized the university’s lack of communication in their statement.
They had hoped to have a say in the decision, as their statement expressed, because they believe the decision could have a wide range of effects on their organization.
BSU also recognized, however, that federal regulations are often out of Denison’s control, and acknowledged that they have had some support from members of Denison’s administration.
Hall also said Student Life plans to communicate with students on these changes.
“In the coming weeks, Student Life will work with student organizations to discuss how to engage in the next steps together, make sure all student organizations are in compliance, and ensure all students and student organizations feel supported,” Hall said.
Additionally, in the same statement, BSU also indicated their concern that these changes brought on by the memo could lead to future consequences to students.
“The removal of the sign … is only a warning of an exceedingly precarious future,” BSU said. “A future where the mistreatment of marginalized communities is unacknowledged, the ending of oppression is not advocated for, and diverse identities are not celebrated. And that is something that we will not tolerate.”
However, according to Hall, the guidance in the memo is clear enough that the consequences of going against it could be serious.
“Not complying with the guidance could impact contracts for student loans, Pell grants, and scientific research,” Hall said. “Signing contracts for federal funding, which touches many areas of the college and impacts students directly, while not being in compliance, would open up the university and the individuals signing these contracts to very serious civil and criminal penalties.”
The False Claims Act (FCA) is one example of where the federal government can impose liability on anyone or any organization that goes against federal regulations. Denison is subject to FCA suits because of the federal funding it receives.
While this act has been in effect for decades, the recent guidelines established by the memo create more stipulations when employees work for the university.
Hall also recognized that these changes will be difficult for students.
“We do not want to diminish the work of valued student organizations that play an important role in campus life. We remain committed to all of our students and student organizations, while also making sure we are legally compliant.”
Other student organizations are also preparing for changes. Outlook, the LGBTQ+ student organization, one of these organizations. They are also working against the narrative of being exclusionary.
“Our stance has been and always will be that we’re not an exclusionary space,” said Eliana Lazzaro ‘26, the President of Outlook. “Instead, we’re trying to create a radically inclusive space for people on campus.”
Lazzaro also adds that excluding people from their organization is the opposite of what they hope to accomplish.
“In general, the narrative that creating a space to uplift a community means that you’re excluding other people who aren’t in that community is a little absurd to me because of how we’ve always functioned.”
Emmanuel Rodriguez ‘27, the group’s vice president, also takes a similar stance, saying that the organization is open to anyone.
“We’re trying to bring people into the space so we can educate them and help them better understand what LGBTQ people may go through so that they can learn how to navigate around us and appreciate the struggles that we’ve been through.”
This semester, Outlook has been working with the administration as they review possible changes in order to comply with the federal administration. Navigating these changes have been difficult in some ways.
“When new things come out, the university goes through the processes of deciding how they’re going to handle things,” Lazzaro said. “But as students, we want answers as to what’s going to happen and how things are going to be managed… It is challenging as a student leader when you’re faced with those kinds of obstacles.”
In addition to these challenges, the uncertainty about what changes they may need to change as an organization introduces another level of concern.
“We as students are in a situation where we’re trying to help students, but we’re also students, and we also don’t know what’s going to happen,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez hopes that with the potential changes, students won’t have to redefine how they express their identity.
“I think the type of language [in the memo] makes it less appealing to LGBTQ students to want to join these organizations, because what can they really do… if they themselves are having to cut and change everything about them?”
In the wake of the memo, Hall assured that Student Life would continue to hold onto the standards they have been committed to.
“Complying with these new regulations does not alter in any way our values and continued
commitment to fostering an environment where every member of our community feels welcome,
supported, and able to thrive,” Hall said. “Every student and student organization program matters to the college.”