Dear President Eric W. Kaler,

We, the Case Western Reserve University community, condemn the University’s decision to close its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

As members of this University and serving the surrounding community, we have befriended students, alumni, staff, and faculty of diverse backgrounds. We shared our different experiences and hardships, and in turn, we learned more about the world. We learn to be more empathetic and more aware of how the tides of history affect our present circumstances. CWRU’s DEI policies encouraged inquiry about how the systems in place in our society affect those of different backgrounds. As we graduate and advance in our careers—as nurses, doctors, engineers, researchers, educators, lawyers, artists—it is clear that these lessons help shape us as leaders. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are some of the most critical strengths of the Case Western Reserve University community. This sentiment was also reflected in CWRU’s Diversity Statement, “Case Western Reserve University aspires to be an inclusive environment, believing that the creative energy and variety of insights that result from diversity are a vital component of the intellectual rigor and social fabric of the university.”

It is reprehensible that CWRU did not resist the Trump Administration’s demands when shutting down its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The government’s attacks on DEI in universities are a clear overreach in violation of the University’s rights, yet there was no effort to question or challenge them.

In your email to the university community on March 26th, 2025, you claimed that Case Western Reserve University will “continue to promote civility and the free exchange of ideas, civic and international engagement, and appreciation for the distinct perspectives and talents of each individual.” How is this of any assurance to the university community when its actions are in juxtaposition with its values? The removal of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion sets a dangerous precedent for the future of CWRU. This certainly will not be the last demand that the federal government will make of universities. At what point will CWRU draw the line? What other values will it compromise before then?

Furthermore, what are we to think when other institutions stand firm in their values and speak out against an objectionable administration, as ours sits idly, despite the same threats to federal funding? How could we be inspired to “think beyond the possible,” when our university will not even think within what is possible to protect its students? With the closure of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, CWRU will eventually fall behind other institutions in research, innovation, and leadership as critical dialogue about inequities and social justice is obfuscated.

CWRU should be a leader by upholding its values and leading by example. We demand the following:

• Sign the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ letter standing for constructive engagement. Over two hundred universities have signed this letter, while CWRU notably has not. Why are we afraid of standing for our values?
• Be transparent with students about the University’s current stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fostered essential discussions about real issues that affect real people. It provided scholarships and awards to students and faculty who worked hard to create and maintain an inclusive environment. It is unclear whether the university will continue or cease these functions with the halt of DEI initiatives.
• Hold firm on the University’s values. Case Western Reserve University should be an institution where students feel safe attending. Where faculty feel proud teaching. Where alumni feel a lasting sense of belonging. For this to be true, you must make assurances that Case Western Reserve University will no longer be complicit in the current administration’s illegal backsliding of our values.

With great concern,

The Case Western Reserve University Community