An Update on SHU's Response to Evolving Federal Guidelines

Dear members of the Sacred Heart University community,

I am writing to update you on SHU’s response to evolving federal guidelines related to higher education. Since January, we have been monitoring each federally issued update, with the most recent being a memo from the Office of the Attorney General on July 29 addressing “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” We have been assessing the potential impact to our University as new information and guidelines have become available.

The July 29 memo provided clear direction on how the federal administration intends to enforce antidiscrimination laws, specifically related to federally funded programs. Sacred Heart University and our students benefit from federal funding in areas such as student financial assistance and grants that support activities within many of our academic programs. To ensure compliance with the new federal directives, the University conducted an assessment of our structures and practices. To avoid any disruption to the institutional funding and student support that are critical to our mission, several changes were identified as necessary.

One change is the disbanding of the Office of Inclusive Excellence, which includes the Multicultural and SAGE Centers. While this change was unavoidable, our mission and core values have not and will not change. As such, I am announcing the opening later this month of the Agape Center for Human Dignity at Sacred Heart University, which will be housed in our Division of Mission & Culture. In the Gospels, the Greek word “Agape” indicates the unconditional and outpouring love of God, the same love we recognize in our school’s name, Sacred Heart. The new Center will empower Pioneers to encounter each other with integrity, gain knowledge and practice the key skills of intentional reflection and courageous civil discourse that are central to the Pioneer Journey and the strength of our community.

The Agape Center will offer a wide range of services and programs and will be open to all and focused on affirming the inherent value and inviolable dignity of every individual. Consistent with Sacred Heart University’s Catholic mission and identity, the Center promotes open dialogue, mutual respect and a culture of belonging for all students—regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion or other protected characteristics. Our unity clubs and organizations—student-led groups that explore shared experiences, promote social justice and bring the campus together through events, dialogue and community-building will also be supported by the Center.

The University is finalizing staffing and structural changes addressing several functions and services formerly provided within the Office for Inclusive Excellence. These functions and their associated staffing will be reassigned to two main areas: The Office of Human Resources and the Agape Center for Human Dignity within the Division of Mission & Culture.

Always rooted in and guided by our mission, we will continue to work hard to safeguard every student’s right to access a Sacred Heart University education, ensure compliance with federal mandates and remain grounded in the principles of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination described under Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

As we approach the start of the fall semester, additional updates and details will be shared by appropriate departments. Again, I want to emphasize that we will continue to stand on our mission and core values. SHU Pioneers have always been, and will continue to be, stronger together. Thank you for your continued dedication to our community.

John J. Petillo, Ph.D.

President