Update: Department of Education
March 21, 2025
Dear all,
I am writing in the context of recent communications from the Department of Education to colleges and universities nationwide and recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The pace and scope of change for higher education is remarkable, and it is critical that we as an institution steady our balance, understand the landscape, and affirm our values. To remain prepared to respond to the current environment, Vassar is working with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and the American Council of Education (ACE) to advocate for our needs, and I am spending more time in Washington meeting with elected officials–Republicans and Democrats–to discuss Vassar and the critical role of higher education in both American society and the global economy.
In recent weeks, the Department of Education has reminded institutions of federal anti-discrimination laws—that institutions cannot confer or withhold educational benefits on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Vassar has always taken seriously its obligation to abide by federal and state anti-discrimination laws and will continue to do so.
To remind ourselves, the Vassar mission, found in the Governance, is as follows: “The mission of Vassar College is to make accessible the means of a thorough, well-proportioned and liberal education that inspires each individual to lead a purposeful life. The College makes possible an education that promotes analytical, informed, and independent thinking and sound judgment; encourages articulate expression; and nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, respectful debate and engaged citizenship. Vassar supports a high standard of engagement in teaching and learning, scholarship and artistic endeavor; a broad and deep curriculum; and a residential campus that fosters a learning community. Founded in 1861 to provide women an education equal to that once available only to men, Vassar is now open to all and strives to pursue diversity, inclusion, and equity as essential components of a rich intellectual and cultural environment in which all members, including those from underrepresented and marginalized groups, are valued and empowered to thrive.” Our efforts in Engaged Pluralism help us fulfill our mission and are essential to keeping all educational opportunities open to everyone.
We should be proud of this mission to make this education accessible to all, and we remain committed to our values and our work together. Our positive impact is undeniable. Vassar contributes $435 million and about 2,500 jobs into Dutchess County’s economy annually. Additionally, admission of first years continues to be need blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, which means an applicant's financial need is not a barrier to admission, and we meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. Moreover, Vassar has far higher-than-average graduation rates, lower average debt, and strong post-graduation employment and graduate school outcomes compared with national averages. Our collaborations through the Office of Community Engaged Learning, the Preserve, the Vassar Education Collaboration, Exploring Transfer, and the Vassar Veterans program—to name just a few—continue to show our deep commitment to our community and the larger society.
Given heightened concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement visits to other college campuses, we have been in steady contact with our international students, faculty, and employees, advising them to the best of our ability regarding travel and visa status. We are also supported by our Response to Subpoena or Warrant policy to keep our students on track to complete their Vassar education. In addition, we are guided by our Statement on Academic Responsibility and Respect for Persons, and we strongly endorse free speech–including peaceful protest–recognizing that it may not be used to incite violence, undertake discriminatory harassment, or disrupt educational opportunities of others.
Vassar is standing strong. Like any complex system, higher education is not perfect, but it holds extraordinary potential to advance equity and opportunity. Across higher education, candid self-examination and bold action are necessary to realize that potential. Since our founding, Vassar has led by opening doors that were once closed, and we continue to carry that responsibility today. We are committed to ensuring that education remains open to all who seek it, regardless of background or belief. That means maintaining strong financial aid, supporting academic freedom, and cultivating a community where everyone can thrive. Accessible, open education is the foundation of a free and just society—and we will continue to do our part to sustain and expand it.
Finally, the House of Representatives is considering an expanded endowment tax on colleges and universities, which would have dire consequences for Vassar. Our generous financial aid (approximately $80 million per year) is made possible by about $70 million per year generated by the endowment and $9 million per year generated by the Annual Fund. The public policy justification for such a new tax–were it to apply to small, independent liberal arts institutions like ours–remains elusive. Taxing our endowment will make it hard for us to sustain our generous financial aid policies.
Please be assured that I am busy making our concerns known to policymakers on both sides of the political aisle in Washington. Nevertheless, if you share my concerns, you might let your Member of Congress know. Every voice counts, and elected officials benefit from hearing from their constituents. Your Representatives and their phone numbers are here: https://www.house.gov/
Thanks,
Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar