Weinman Invites Students to Voice Their Concerns Regarding Recent Executive Orders

President Kevin Weinman speaking at the Student Town Hall. Photo by Emma Stuber '26

A sense of dread has flooded Marist University’s campus following recent executive orders and the “Dear Colleague” letter issued by the United States Department of Education under the Trump Administration. In an effort to ease the minds of Marist students, President Kevin Weinman held a town hall meeting in the Nelly Goletti Theatre to discuss students’ concerns for the future.

Before Weinman addressed students, he spoke to a packed crowd of faculty and staff. For both students and staff, he split the time between explaining the intricacies of the executive orders and their effects on Marist, then opened up the remaining time for questions. 

“We’ll talk about what we know, don’t know and answer your questions and comments. There is nothing more important than getting together and talking,” said Weinman before the town hall meeting.

Standing beside Weinman were Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Edward Antonio and Vice President of Student Affairs Andrea Conner, who answered respective questions.

The main concerns addressed during the discussion, amongst others, regarded the “Dear Colleague” letter, which prohibits institutions from making race-based decisions across all fields. 

The “Dear Colleague” letter, containing a threat to cut federal funding, stated that assessments regarding compliance would start no later than 14 days from the date the letter was issued, which fell on Feb. 28. 

While this statement is not binding, it is one of many recent executive orders by the Trump Administration, ultimately intending to make institutions comply. 

According to Antonio, Marist is responding to the Executive Orders and the “Dear Colleague” letter by staying true to its longstanding values of including and welcoming people from diverse backgrounds.

Additionally, to distinguish between the Office of DEI and the department’s actual intentions, Antonio plans to prioritize emphasizing the words behind the acronym. In doing this, the mission of diversity, equity and inclusion becomes extremely clear and unarguably necessary for institutions across the country.

“We must focus on the values embedded in the real work of inclusion, fairness and belonging; not on the acronym, DEI and the misunderstandings that now surround it,” Antonio said. “At Marist, we do not do ‘DEI’ we do diversity, equity, and inclusion; we pay attention to values, principles, inclusive practices and people, all people.”

However, abiding by the terms stated in the “Dear Colleague” letter may terminate the use of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. So, with evident unease circulating across campus, Weinman provided students with the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions.

President Kevin Weinman and Andrea Conner answering questions at the Student Town Hall. Photo by Emma Stuber '26

The first student who spoke to Weinman explained that many Marist students supported DEI initiatives on campus. With over 560 signatures agreeing to maintain diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, the student believed that Marist “[has] the ability to set a standard.” 

“It’s unclear what the [executive] orders imagine DEI to be…we don’t see it as discriminatory,” explained Weinman. “My hope is there won’t be consequences for doing work that is clearly in our mission.” 

The next few questions were expressed by international students regarding deportation. Director of Safety and Security Daniel Gough provided insight on the situation and how to stay safe on campus.

“If you find federal agencies and they haven’t been checked in and being escorted on campus, call (575)-5555,” said Gough. 

Gough also stated that federal agencies are only allowed in public spaces and prohibited in classrooms, residence halls and faculty areas, further emphasizing that “campus safety is here to support you.”

Another student expressed concern about students being deported for engaging in pro-Palestinian protests. Although Weinman hadn’t heard of these specific occurrences, he recognized the importance of students’ right to free speech on campus. 

The student’s question was not unfounded, as of March 4, the Trump administration has set “..the foundations for the government to deport international students who've participated in protests against Israel,” according to NPR. 

As stated by President Trump, “To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests…we will find you, and we will deport you. I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses."

Furthermore, American students who participate in pro-Palestinian protests are being threatened with expulsion by the White House. President Trump has promised to cut all funding for schools that permit “illegal protests;” however, this term of “illegal protests” is unspecified. 

Still, at the heart of Weinman’s speech lied the only foreseeable answer to the community’s concern: Our university values are not for sale and are non-negotiable.

While the future remains unclear, Weinman’s efforts to provide students with the opportunity to speak out were appreciated by the Marist community while navigating through the future.  

“We’re grounded by our mission,” said Weinman. “Everyone’s included, and we will stay committed to what has worked for us.”