Chancellor Rose on NSHE’s Commitment to Diversity: Presidential Executive Order No. 13950

On September 22, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 13950,
entitled “Executive Order on Race and Sex Stereotyping.” This Order threatens a core mission
of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), which is to provide an inclusive education for
a diverse student population. I disapprove of it.

By seeking to withhold federal funds from NSHE institutions that offer certain trainings on
diversity, equity, and inclusion, including trainings on implicit bias, this Order will chill vital and
productive conversations and dialogue on race and sex that are already occurring throughout the
NSHE community. At a time when race and sex continue to explain so many of our challenges
and disproportionate outcomes, NSHE cannot afford to limit or forego these critical educational
opportunities. Our institutions educate the workforce and future leaders of Nevada and beyond.
NSHE has a responsibility to prepare them to participate in a multicultural and pluralistic society.
I take this responsibility very seriously.

NSHE does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, sex, or any other
protected category. But it is not enough to have policies in place that reflect this value. NSHE
must live this value by demonstrating every day our commitment to train faculty, staff, and
students on diversity, equity, and inclusion in a manner that acknowledges the reality of
discrimination or harassment based on race or sex.

NSHE is currently in communication with the Office of the Nevada Attorney General and
interested stakeholders on available courses of action.