Dear OU Community,
Many of you have inquired about Governor Stitt’s Executive Order 2023-31. Over the past few weeks, the university has been diligently working to assess the implications of this executive order while actively engaging with the campus community and key stakeholders. Navigating these changes is a complex process that demands careful consideration, and I genuinely appreciate your patience as this work unfolds.
While it will take time to determine the full scope of the executive order, we have already begun working on anticipated areas of change. This includes changing the name and function of our current Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to our Division of Access and Opportunity, which will continue to ensure that the University of Oklahoma is a place of belonging for all. Even though DEI positions will come to an end and staff members will take on new roles that support our community broadly, no one in those roles will lose their employment with the university because of the executive order.
It is crucial to note that many scholarly activities integral to our role as a leading research university are not subject to the provisions of the executive order, including academic course instruction, research and creative endeavors, and practices necessary for accreditation and licensure. Other areas that will not change include the activities of registered student organizations, as well as our efforts to attract and support the very best students and scholars. An individual’s free speech remains unaffected by the executive order.
We are committed to keeping our community informed throughout this process and will continue to provide regular communication and feedback. I encourage you to visit our new web page related to the governor’s executive order that includes initial guidance and other resources. This page will be updated on an ongoing basis as we work toward achieving full compliance by May 31, 2024.
We look forward to providing further updates.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
