Responding to a Changing Legal Landscape
February 7, 2025
Dear members of the SLU community,
We have faced a number of challenging events and circumstances since I joined you as president in 2014. In each of those times I have paused to reflect upon our mission: the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity.
I quote the mission frequently and refer to it often. But when new circumstances bring unanticipated challenges I find it helpful to return to the statement in its entirety, read each word carefully, and ask: What does it mean to fulfill our mission now, in this moment?
As faculty, staff, students, and leaders at a Jesuit university, we are stewards of an apostolic work of the Society of Jesus.
Our mission is grounded in the fundamental belief that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Because every person is endowed with inherent dignity, we are called to contribute to a world in which all people can flourish.
At a Jesuit university – as our mission states – our work takes the form of teaching, learning, research, health care, service, community engagement, and demonstrating care for every person. We adapt our methods to meet the needs of our time, but our mission endures.
Each new U.S. President brings a different agenda and accompanying change. With the arrival of the current administration, higher education institutions across the country are responding to a rapidly shifting landscape of executive orders, guidelines, legal challenges, and court rulings.
The volatility of our current environment may be unsettling and lead to discomfort or fear – particularly for those who are concerned about potential impacts on their studies, their work, their safety, their families, and the communities they serve.
Please be assured that SLU leaders and legal experts are thoughtfully analyzing each directive and development.
When new guidance has an impact on our University’s work or members of our community, we engage the appropriate leaders, faculty, and/or staff to better understand the specific effects and identify the appropriate next steps. We also reach out to faculty, staff and students who may be directly affected to offer resources and support.
Even in a context of significant uncertainty, we can say with confidence that we are here to support each and every one of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the below resources:
- Dean of Students: Students may contact (or be referred to) the Dean of Students office for help navigating any potential impact on their academic or personal lives. The Dean of Students can also refer questions related to immigration status to appropriate campus or community resources.
- Grant Operations (GO) Centers: For questions about federal grants, faculty researchers should email grants@slu.edu to reach the grant administration teams in the Office of the Vice President for Research and the School of Medicine. If you receive any inquiries, directives, or stop-work orders from funding agencies, please forward them to grants@slu.edu for review and consultation.
- International Student Services: International students should contact the Office of International Student Services with any questions or concerns related to their visa status or potential international travel.
- Office of the General Counsel (OGC): Per standard University procedure, any government directive, subpoena, or law enforcement request should be immediately referred to OGC. Details and contact information are on the OGC website.
- Pastoral and spiritual support: The Office of Mission and Identity and Campus Ministry provide spiritual support and accompaniment for faculty, staff, and students.
- Confidential support: Students can always access confidential mental health support through the University Counseling Center. Faculty and staff can access Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources.
Our commitment to the SLU community and the work that you do has deep roots — in the values of the Gospels, in Catholic Social Teaching, and in the spirituality of St. Ignatius. Emerging from this foundation, the four Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus call us to accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future, to walk with the excluded and marginalized, to care for our common home, and to seek the presence and wisdom of God through the process of discernment.
We will continue, each and every day, to advance the work we are called to do.
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President