On May 14, 2025, the ASI Board of Directors passed the Resolution in Opposition to Feb. 14, 2025, Dear Colleague Letter, co-authored by Scott Drouin, Alyson Engel, and Tanner Schinderle. This resolution reflects a strong stance against efforts to limit race-conscious policies and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses.
This federal guidance, broadly interpreting the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, poses a threat to campus-based programs designed to support historically underrepresented and marginalized student populations. In response, the ASI Board of Directors formally opposed the Feb. 14, 2025, Dear Colleague Letter and affirmed its belief that all students should have access to an inclusive and supportive educational environment that fosters success regardless of race, color, or national origin.
ASI Secretary of Executive Staff, Tanner Schinderle, states the importance of this resolution by saying, “Students want people to advocate for them, especially in the hardest moments. This resolution represents our firm belief in our values and an unwavering commitment to every student on this campus. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are among the most crucial elements to a successful education, and any attacks that aim to limit these values should be addressed by the official voice of Cal Poly.”
Similarly, ASI Secretary of Accessibility, Scott Drouin, noted, “We’re elected into these positions with the promise that we will serve our peers. With the future of higher education looking increasingly uncertain, we saw that it fell into our hands to show students where we stand and affirm that we aren’t willing to sit idly by. This resolution is more than just an affirmation of our continued commitment to DEI, but a message that ASI is ready and willing to take a stand.”
This resolution urges Cal Poly University President Jeffery Armstrong and the California State University (CSU) Chancellor to uphold the mission of the CSU system and its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in both purpose and practice. It also calls for the continued support of inclusive initiatives that ensure equitable treatment for all students.
Resolution co-author and sponsor, ASI Board of Directors Vice Chair, Alyson Engel stated, “As an advocacy organization, ASI sits in a unique position where we can stand up for students in the face of oppression like this without worrying about cuts from federal funding. I think that it is absolutely necessary for us to use this positioning to continue to stand up for our student body, especially as more threats are made to the vital institution of higher education as a whole.”
Resolutions passed by the ASI Board of Directors certify the voice of students at Cal Poly. If you have an issue you are passionate about, contact a college representative on the Board of Directors to get involved in advocacy on campus. To view the full resolution and learn more, visit the ASI website or contact Catherine Ogden at cjogden@calpoly.edu.
