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Reminder: Campus Resources Available

Over the last week, a number of people have asked me about how recent executive orders and federal legislation may affect our campus, our work, and our institutional mission.

In short, Macalester’s purpose remains unchanged: as a liberal arts college, we choose to live and learn together, united by a shared desire to create a more just and peaceful world.

Along with the Senior Leadership Team and others on our campus, I am watching carefully to ascertain whether or to what extent federal policy changes may constrain our ability to engage in research, creative production, and scholarship; prepare students for lives of meaning; and support the flourishing of every member of our Mac community. If we determine that we need to adjust our practices in order to respond to externally-imposed mandates (such as, for example, cancellation of grants), we will communicate next steps promptly.

While the uncertainty of this moment understandably is raising concerns about the safety and wellbeing of members of groups affected by recent executive orders—including trans and non-binary people, non-US-citizens, and people who work on or participate in equity initiatives—please know that the college will hold firm to our longstanding values. We celebrate the diversity of our community, and we know that it makes us stronger. 

Also, we are fortunate to be in Minnesota, a state that protects healthcare choice and affirming care, welcomes and celebrates immigrants and refugees, and encourages every person to express their full human dignity.   

At the same time, I want to remind everyone of the many campus resources that remain available:

If you have specific concerns about your personal wellbeing or need help navigating existing resources, I invite you to contact me directly at [email protected].