WHEREAS current federal executive orders target for harm specific populations of people, remove or censor existing research, and defund research on specific topics; and

WHEREAS Oregon Tech stakeholders, including students, classified staff, faculty, administrative staff, senior leadership, and members of the broader Oregon Tech community have expressed fears regarding the negative impacts of these federal executive orders; and

WHEREAS Oregon Tech’s mission statement states that the university “emphasizes innovation, scholarship, applied research” and has “a commitment to diversity and leadership development”; and

WHEREAS time is of the essence and university leadership has not yet publicly addressed the recent dramatic changes in our national political situation themselves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Faculty Senate of Oregon Tech:

a. Stands in support of members of the Oregon Tech community, including students, classified staff, faculty, administrative staff, senior leadership, and members of the broader Oregon Tech community, who are targeted by current federal executive orders by virtue of their identity or their research; and

b. Commits to finding creative and equitable ways to maintain the safety and belonging of our community members and to ensure the continuation and integrity of research, education, and student life, in collaboration with all levels of the university; and

c. Urges the university leadership to provide resources, guidance, and support for the Oregon Tech community as we collectively navigate the uncertainty and fear of these times; and

d. Invites all Oregon Tech stakeholders, including students, classified staff, faculty, administrative staff, senior leadership, and members of the broader Oregon Tech community, to add their names in support of this public statement.