The university is reviewing the names of several student organization spaces following a memorandum from the Office of Attorney General that calls certain identity based campus spaces “unlawfully discriminatory.”
The July 29 memo, sent to all federal agencies, warns that federally funded institutions may violate federal civil-rights law if they maintain programs or spaces that give “preferential treatment based on protected characteristics,” including race, sex or religion. Among the examples listed are multicultural lounges, women’s resource centers, and similar spaces that limit or appear to limit access by identity.
In a written response to The Maroon, Alicia Bourque, vice president of student affairs, and Sharonda Williams, vice president, general counsel and director of government affairs, said the university is acting after receiving the U.S. Attorney General’s memorandum, which “specifically identified these types of spaces as ‘unlawfully discriminatory.’”
“We are moving forward with a process to consider changes to comply with the U.S. Department of Justice’s interpretation of the law,” Bourque and Williams said. “We recognize these spaces are vital sources of identity, belonging and community for our students. As this process moves forward, we are committed to carrying it out in collaboration with students and faculty, ensuring that their voices and perspectives remain central to any decisions.”
The memo requires entities that receive federal funding to ensure that programs and facilities do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion or other protected characteristics. It cautions that even well-intentioned diversity, equity and inclusion efforts could be deemed discriminatory if they reserve resources for specific groups.
University leaders said they have already begun meeting with student leaders and advisors from affected organizations to discuss next steps.
“The Vice President, General Counsel, and Director of Government Affairs and the Vice President of Student Affairs have met and are continuing to meet with student leaders and advisors to discuss the Office of the Attorney General memorandum to reach an agreeable and collaborative resolution on how best to remain in compliance with regulations,” the joint statement said.
Bourque and Williams emphasized that student input will remain a key part of any decision. No timeline for final decisions has been set.
Several student spaces are under review, including the Women’s Resource Center, the Black Student Union room, and the Multicultural Room in the Danna Student Center. Proposed alternative names, such as “Gender Resource Center” and “Loyola One Room” have surfaced during discussions but are not final.
”During recent renovations of the Danna Center, the former multicultural room was redesigned to provide additional seating,” said Bourque and Williams. “The name was re-purposed to identify a space adjacent to the courtyard that remains under construction.”
According to university administration, the new One Loyola Room will serve primarily as the multicultural resource center and will also function as occasional dining space for faculty and staff.
The federal guidance arrives after national debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and the limits of identity-specific spaces on college campuses.
Loyola administration said while they remain committed to supporting student communities, they must also ensure that federally funded programs comply with civil-rights laws.
“We value these centers as vital places of support,and we are dedicated to finding solutions that honor our students while meeting federal requirements,” Bourque and Williams said.
University officials encouraged students to attend upcoming listening sessions and to share feedback as the process continues.
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