In a special livestreamed address to the University of Hawaiʻi 10 campuses and the UH Board of Regents on February 6, UH President Wendy Hensel acknowledged the significant impact of recent federal policy changes on higher education. With multiple executive orders issued by the new administration, Hensel outlined the changes affecting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) programs, research funding, immigration enforcement and Title IX protections.
“While we do not have all the answers, I believe it is important at this point to share with you what we do know and how we plan to proceed as a community,” said Hensel. “I want to assure members of our community that leaders from across the university are meeting regularly and working hard in conjunction with the Board of Regents to determine how we will respond to these orders.”
Hensel also recognized the uncertainty these shifts create, but assured the UH community that leaders across the university are working closely with state and federal officials to navigate these challenges. While UH must comply with the law, she emphasized that federal civil rights and state antidiscrimination laws remain in effect, as well as accreditation requirements related to diversity and equity.
“In the days ahead, we will work together as a community to determine what the law requires and what this university must do in response,” said Hensel. “We no doubt will be faced with difficult choices on which reasonable people will disagree in good faith. We must not let that diminish our resolve to face these issues together.”
Hensel announced the formation of an advisory council that will ensure transparent communication and provide a forum for community input. Additionally, UH will continue to work closely with Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation, Gov. Josh Green’s office, the state attorney general and community partners to advocate for the university’s mission.
“Our faith in the significance and honor of what we do at the university remains strong,” said Hensel. “Our work is critical and transformative for our individual students, our communities, our economy and our world. We will continue to celebrate and elevate our mission to advance knowledge and enrich society as we navigate these changes.”
Hensel also reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to its core values.
“As we weather changes that may feel overwhelming at times, do not lose sight of what remains constant and certain,” said Hensel. “Most importantly, every individual on our campuses is a vital member of our ʻohana. No matter where you came from, who you are, what you believe or who you love, we see you, and you are welcome here.”
Below is a complete transcription of the UH president’s speech.
February 6, 2025 Special Address by UH President Hensel
The short time that I have had the privilege of serving as president of the University of Hawaiʻi has been marked by significant transitions in the federal landscape. In the last two weeks, there have been many changes announced by the new administration in Washington, D.C. that significantly affect higher education and have raised numerous questions. While we do not have all the answers, I believe it is important at this point to share with you what we do know and how we plan to proceed as a community.
Policy changes are anticipated with any administrative transition, but it is fair to say that the scale and speed of the executive orders issued by the Trump Administration have been extraordinary. An executive order is a directive from the president that orders the government to take specific actions to execute the law. They typically concern the operations of the federal government and apply to recipients of federal funds. Universities receive significant federal funding and so are implicated by these orders. Importantly, executive orders must be consistent with existing laws passed by Congress.
The recently issued executive orders impact multiple areas, including Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) programs; research funding; immigration enforcement on our campuses; Title IX protections, and more. Just a few days ago, the administration called for the termination of the Department of Education, and yesterday, a ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports. It is likely that additional changes will be announced in the days ahead.
I want to assure members of our community that leaders from across the university are meeting regularly and working hard in conjunction with the Board of Regents to determine how we will respond to these orders. We are also working with the Governor’s team and members of the legislature to ensure a coordinated and thoughtful response.
First, more on a few of the orders themselves.
DEIA and “environmental justice” programs and research
The new administration has issued an executive order banning DEIA-related policies and programs in federally funded programs. Given the large number of federally supported programs at UH that could fall within this definition, the potential impact on the university is significant.
Also at stake is federal research funding, both in the realm of DEIA and grants relating to “environmental justice.” The federal government paused grant funding in these areas pending review for compliance with the administration’s executive orders. Last week, Hawaiʻi’s Attorney General joined 22 other states in filing for a temporary restraining order to stop the freeze. As of today, many agencies have resumed funding pending the outcome of litigation. Other agencies, however, continue to issue “stop work” orders to some researchers at UH requiring them to assert compliance with the executive orders in order to receive additional funding.
What these executive orders mean for our institution is complex and uncertain. There is no question that the financial implications are significant. Notably, however, the executive orders do not define what DEIA or “environmental justice” means, and this fact has been noted in several lawsuits that have been filed. Federal civil rights laws continue to be in effect, as well as state antidiscrimination laws. In addition, we have accreditation requirements that explicitly require considerations of diversity and equity. While the university will always comply with the law, the parameters of the law as of yet are unclear.
Institutions across the country are assessing how their programs, policies and activities are implicated by these executive orders. We are doing likewise and will share more in the days ahead. As I have said before, it is important that we neither overreact or underreact as we move forward. We remain firmly committed to our core values, including fostering a respectful and welcoming environment for every member of our community. We are also working with our federal partners to advocate for continued research funding that is essential to our state and the world, and have provided evidence in support of the state’s litigation.
Immigration enforcement
There is also growing concern about increased immigration enforcement on college campuses. It is important to note that we are not aware of any such activity directed at UH at this time. The University of Hawaiʻi will not share student or employee information unless legally required to do so.
Title IX
In addition to other changes, the new administration has reversed many of the Title IX protections that were expanded in recent years. As a result, the rules in place during the first Trump administration are now in effect. UH remains committed to providing a safe and fair campus environment for all students and employees and will work to support those who may be affected by these changes.
Moving forward
In the days ahead, we will work together as a community to determine what the law requires and what this university must do in response. We no doubt will be faced with difficult choices on which reasonable people will disagree in good faith. We must not let that diminish our resolve to face these issues together.
To that end, I will be forming an advisory council of stakeholders from across the UH system to provide ongoing lines of transparent communication and a forum for community voices. An announcement will be made in the coming days with more information.
We will also continue working closely with Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation, Governor Josh Green’s office, the state attorney general and our community partners. We are unified in our desire to shepherd the university and the state through this tumultuous moment for higher education.
In closing, let me say clearly—as we weather changes that may feel overwhelming at times, do not lose sight of what remains constant and certain. Most importantly, every individual on our campuses is a vital member of our ʻohana. No matter where you came from, who you are, what you believe, or who you love, we see you, and you are welcome here.
Our faith in the significance and honor of what we do at the university remains strong. Our work is critical and transformative for our individual students, our communities, our economy, and our world. We will continue to celebrate and elevate our mission to advance knowledge and enrich society as we navigate these changes.
Our strength lies in our community. We stand together, and we move forward together with the spirit of aloha.
Mahalo for your time and the privilege of serving this great institution.
