Concerns expressed about the national dialogue on DEI

Dear Texas Woman’s Community,

I hope this message finds you well as we start a new week.

I have recently met with several groups of faculty and staff and have heard various concerns about the national and state dialogue related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Some of you have expressed how that public conversation has made you feel invisible and unvalued. Some have told me they feel set back in their programming and policy work aimed at building a more inclusive environment where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.

I want to reaffirm that at Texas Woman’s, we are “...committed to transformational learning, discovery, and service in an inclusive environment that embraces diversity... [inspiring] excellence and a pioneering spirit.” These words come from our mission statement. We affirm it through celebrations like Black History Month and multicultural graduations, to name just two of many. We affirm it through our employment policies that are consistent with state and federal nondiscrimination laws. And, we affirm it through our recruitment practices that have our student body closely mirroring the state’s demographics by race and ethnicity. Simply put, diversity is part of our identity at Texas Woman’s, and it is an identity we hold dear.

For those who have felt concern, I will do my best to face difficult issues, regardless of the discomfort it may bring, with humility, an open mind, a commitment to gain understanding, and continuous efforts to improve.

We are in a legislative session, so my team and I will be working with our governing bodies in Austin to make sure they know about your many efforts in teaching, research, and service, successes of our students and alumni, and our contributions to the state economy. Just last Tuesday, I testified before the Senate Committee on Finance. This week is our quarterly board of regents meeting, and soon I will testify before the House Appropriations Committee. My mantra right now is to remember patience and grace and to hold onto my belief in the goodness of the Texas Woman’s community. We are the #campuswithaheart today and always.

With a pioneering spirit,

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

Page last updated 11:57 AM, August 30, 2023