As federal policies affecting higher education continue to shift, LMU remains committed to keeping our community informed and upholding our mission-driven values. Recently, The Loyolan inquired about the university’s response to Executive Orders on immigration, antisemitism on college campuses, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Read the article, “Response to Trump’s early executive order takes shape.” Below is the full Q&A, outlining LMU’s response on these important issues.
The Loyolan: How is the University responding to the Trump administration’s decision to rescind DHS policy which prohibited ICE officers from taking enforcement actions in sensitive locations, including campuses?
LMU Response: President Snyder recently addressed federal policy shifts impacting higher education, reaffirming LMU’s steadfast commitment to dignity, justice, and our Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount values. LMU is closely monitoring these changes, collaborating with the university’s government relations team, higher education partners, and policymakers to advocate for our students and community.
To keep our community informed, LMU has launched LMUTW In Brief, a new communications channel providing timely updates on rapidly changing policies. This includes guidance on LMU’s established protocols for our community members’ interactions with law enforcement agencies with further guidance coming soon.
The Loyolan: On Jan. 29, the Trump administration issued an executive order regarding reports of antisemitic activity on college campuses. The order provided that, when non-resident students carry out actions considered antisemitic, “institutions may monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff relevant to those grounds and for ensuring that such reports about aliens lead, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens.” Will the University report non-resident students to the federal government if they are accused of antisemitic activity?
LMU Response: LMU is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all belong and are free from harassment and discrimination. We reject antisemitism in all forms and uphold a community culture rooted in dignity, respect, and accountability.
The recent executive order does not change LMU’s long standing policies on bias-motivated incidents, student safety, or free expression. The university thoroughly investigates all reported incidents in alignment with our mission and values while safeguarding privacy. LMU does not report student conduct decisions to local, state, or federal agencies.
As we navigate federal policy changes and global conflicts, we encourage all LMU students to uphold the principles of the Lion’s Code and faculty to adhere to the Faculty Handbook. Students, faculty, and staff may reach out to the LMU Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) or LMU Campus Safety. For guidance and support, students can access LMU Community of Care, while faculty and staff should contact Human Resources.
The Loyolan: How does the University foresee the future of DEI policy, considering the President’s recent executive order that bars schools from receiving federal funding if they operate DEI programs?
LMU Response: We understand that you posed a similar question to VP Emelyn dela Pena and we have allowed her the opportunity to address it in her response.
The Loyolan: How does the University plan to use LMUTW In Brief to communicate with students?
LMU Response: LMUTW In Brief is a new communications channel providing practical information and timely guidance. Complementing LMU This Week, it delivers quick, concise updates on important issues affecting our community.
Interview with Emelyn A. dela Pena, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Loyolan: How is your office responding to President Trump’s recent executive order which seeks to limit the flow of federal funding to higher education institutions with DEI programs?
LMU Response: The executive order does not ban DEI programs outright but ties federal funding restrictions to initiatives deemed discriminatory or unlawful under existing civil rights laws, including Title IX. LMU’s DEI efforts are fully integrated with its mission, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and equal access for all.
Our work focuses on removing structural barriers, reducing bias, and expanding opportunities—not perpetuating discrimination. LMU remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment that upholds human dignity and values all voices.
Like many universities, LMU is assessing how to sustain its DEI programs while ensuring compliance and protecting critical federal funding. As we navigate these challenges, we will continue advancing equity in ways that align with both legal requirements and our institutional values.
The Loyolan: Does the University plan to make any immediate changes to its DEI policy?
LMU Response: Inspired by the incessant drive toward self-improvement (the magis), the university continually evaluates its programs, including DEI initiatives. While LMU is not announcing any immediate changes, we remain committed to removing barriers, promoting equity, and advancing inclusion and equal access for all.
The Loyolan: The executive order provides that the Attorney General and Secretary of Education will deliver guidance to higher education institutions within 120 days. Will the University adhere to this guidance?
LMU Response: The university remains committed to compliance with legal requirements while staying true to our mission and values. While we cannot speculate on future guidance, we are closely monitoring federal policy developments. In a dynamically changing legal landscape where executive orders may be issued, modified, challenged, or rescinded, we will carefully assess any new directives and ensure that our response aligns with our institutional principles and commitments.
The Loyolan: Is there anything else I should know about the future of DEI at LMU?
LMU Response: LMU has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion for decades, as these principles are deeply rooted in our mission and enshrined in our strategic plan. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment is not new—it is a reflection of our Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount values, which emphasize human dignity, justice, and compassion. This work remains essential to the holistic development of our students and the broader LMU community, ensuring that our policies and programs continue to reflect our enduring mission.