Community conversation identifies common ground, key challenges as university navigates new landscape
Acknowledging that members of the university community have many questions and concerns regarding the resolution addressing the Presidential Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion passed by the Board of Visitors March 25, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands convened Friday a town hall-style conversation with representatives of university governance groups to begin the necessary dialog to understand and navigate the rapidly changing landscape facing all of higher education.
“It’s truly a tumultuous time for higher education and everybody feels that,” Sands said during his opening remarks. “I won’t have all the answers today, but the reason for gathering today is to hear your concerns and make sure we’re making progress."
Sands acknowledged that Virginia Tech is not immune from impact of federal actions on DEI, immigration, research funding, and government downsizing, but said the university was grounded in its people.
“I really appreciate that Virginia Tech is rooted in our principles. That is where our strength comes from, Principles of Community, our commitment to free speech, and academic freedom.”
Sands stressed that the entire Virginia Tech community — students, faculty, staff, board members, and alumni — want Virginia Tech’s mission and momentum to continue, and are all committed to diversity and an inclusive environment.
Sands also underscored that Virginia Tech is bound to follow the law as interpretations change over time, noting this was the primary purpose of the board resolution dissolving the Office of Inclusive Strategy and Excellence and calling for a review of programs, policies, and practices.
“The Board of Visitors is trying to protect the institution. You may disagree with how they are doing it, but that is what they are trying to do,” Sands said. “What we can’t do is abandon our commitment to an inclusive community that involves diverse thoughts and perspectives. We are absolutely committed to that, and the question is how we continue our momentum under the current restrictions.”
Sands noted that the university has engaged a consultant to help us review our programs, and thoughtfully consider what needs to be changed, moved, or reassigned. That process is underway.
Noting that all members of the university community share a common commitment to support the success of this university and our communities, Sands acknowledged that there will be differing points of view on how to achieve it.
“Everyone at Virginia Tech has the right under the First Amendment to express their views and opinions in ways that are lawful and consistent with Policy 5000. Virginia Tech cannot and will not punish people for expressing dissent in a lawful manner.”
He added that for faculty, academic freedom is a core principle at Virginia Tech and that will not change.
Speaking on how organizations and programs associated with InclusiveVT will be impacted, Sands said that Virginia Tech’s Cultural and Community Centers will continue and that organizations and programs, such as the Peddrew-Yates Institute, Living-Learning Programs, and student organizations, which are subject to the board resolution, are part of the ongoing review. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Sands reaffirmed that Virginia Tech is fully committed to supporting student success. Virginia Tech Advantage remains a strategic priority, supporting in-state students with financial need by providing scholarships and experiential learning opportunities. Students who are here on student visas will continue to be supported by the Cranwell International Center and the university continues to evaluate the changing landscape of research funding, and will do all we can to support graduate students who depend on it.
Sands noted that he intends to hold future town hall-style events to keep the university community informed and to inform university leadership ongoing or future concerns.
If you have additional questions or feedback for President Sands, please share them through this online form.