President Lewis Responds to the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Dear Colleague Letter

Dear Houghton University Parents and Families,

On February 14th, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague letter for the purpose of “clarify[ing] and reaffirm[ing] the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education.”

Since the letter’s issuance, there has been considerable conversation across the nation. To provide absolute clarity, I want to share with you, the families of our students, about Houghton’s convictions, policies and practices in relation to the substance of the letter. To be clear, Houghton University’s policies and procedures aligned with the expectations of the Dear Colleague letter prior to its issuance.

It is important for us to state that Houghton has and will continue to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our university community, as well as national and world diversity. As Christians, we believe every person is created by God, in His image, intentionally and with purpose. Our diversity is part of His design. Every image bearer, without exception, deserves respect, with no person or people deserving more or less respect than others. Correspondingly, any coursework, training or programming that stigmatizes, belittles or discriminates against students based on their race, ethnicity or national origin would conflict with our institutional beliefs and convictions. At Houghton, we examine, explore and celebrate racial, ethnic, linguistic and international diversity, with visions of the scene John describes in Revelation, where “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,” will stand before the throne of the Lamb of God, glorifying Him together with their voices (Revelation 7:9-10).

Houghton’s policies and practice align with the expectations in the Dear Colleague letter. It is neither Houghton’s policy nor practice to discriminate against students or employees, current or prospective, based on their race, ethnicity or national origin. Neither Houghton’s policies nor practices provide racial preferences in admission, financial aid, hiring, promotion, compensation, training or institutional programming. Neither does Houghton require or encourage racial segregation for students or employees with programming, training, coursework, workspace or living accommodations. Student spaces, clubs and programming are open to students of all racial, ethnic and national backgrounds, including but not limited to clubs, initiatives, and organizations centered on learning about and celebrating racial, ethnic and international diversity. Employee training and professional development are based on job function and responsibilities and not differentiated based on employees’ race or ethnicity.

I will continue to monitor legal and policy developments at the national and state level, but at this time, I find no challenges to living out our commitments to love, serve and celebrate the diverse students and employees we are blessed to work and walk with.

We are humbled by the trust you have placed in us to love and serve your children and loved ones. Thank you.

Wayne D. Lewis, Jr.
President