President's Address

As I began to write this address, I’ve accepted that nothing I write here is going to change anything that has happened this past month. This isn’t going to be my usual informational Pollyanna cheerleading address; rather, I’m just going to put some things out there for your information and consideration and hopefully offer some reassurance.

Many of you reached out to Staff Senate asking about the changes in website language, scholarships, and caucus operations, and I want to assure you that we've heard you and we've been speaking to and meeting with the administration on this issue. We take the charge of advocacy seriously. 

Let’s get straight to it: the recent policy changes regarding DEI and what that means for you. Staff Senate was aware of the Board of Supervisors resolution passed in October 2024. At that time, we met with and were assured by General Counsel staff that the resolution meant changes in language, job descriptions, and some policies and procedures, but in general, there was not going to be significant impact to the university's daily operations, most programs, and caucus functions.

Fast forward to last week...Staff Senate was not made aware of the directive that changed that understanding of the resolution prior to its issuance. To be honest, we are experiencing some of the same questions and concerns as many of you.

We were fortunate enough to have a member of the administration meet with us late this past week, where we were able to gain some insights. First, this directive is nothing new. It is an extension and clarification of the Board of Supervisor’s resolution from October, with broader implications and a hard deadline due to the Dear Colleague letter from the Department of Education. Second, groups and caucuses are not being shut down by the institution. They can continue to exist but must meet on their own time and not use institutional resources. As we understand it, this means no free campus meeting spaces, no meetings during work hours, and no use of LSU resources. You get the idea. 

It has always been the rule that institutional resources cannot be utilized by faculty and staff for personal use. This is common practice across private companies and public agencies. It just wasn’t being widely enforced in this manner for caucuses and groups. Personal use has now been more clearly defined, and proper use is being more broadly enforced. 

Third, I do genuinely believe our administration is doing the best they can in a shifting social and political climate that is moving more rapidly than we have ever seen in most of our lifetimes. Nothing is ever as simple as we break it down to be, and there is always more to consider than what we see from outside the room in which these things happen. While we may feel these actions are severe or unwarranted and some groups are unfairly suffering consequences of these actions, I believe our administration is acting in good faith to ensure the good for the majority and best interests of the institution for our long-term wellbeing. That doesn’t make any of it easier to endure in the moment.

So. Now we’ve covered where we are and what it means for you. The next question is “What can you do?” I was speaking to a new friend on campus last week and he said something that I love: “We’re all stuck on this blue rock together, so we might as well be good to one another and enjoy it.”

I recognize, for many of you, these changes are not easy and there are a lot of emotions and uncertainty about the future. I would like to encourage each of you to control what you can, namely yourself and your behavior towards others. Nobody can stop you from being considerate and respectful of your fellow humans. Nobody can stop you from practicing kindness and grace. These are ways of behaving that cannot be regulated or legislated. Do not allow the actions of others to turn you into someone you don’t want to be. Hold tight to your beliefs and find solace in your communities. Then continue to model the behavior you want to see in the world. 

I read a quote (author unknown) during a Pinterest spiral that said, “No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all. Integrity is everything.” Live this way and you will find joy in those moments that you’ll experience with others. 

I hope some of this helps, even if only for you to know that I hear you and will continue to advocate for all staff members. As always, be safe. Be well. And be kind to one another. 

Cheers and Geaux Tigers!

Acta, Non Verba. Audere est Facere. Translation: Actions, Not Words. To dare is to do.

Olivia