The Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS) has requested that leaders of student organizations add language to their websites, social media, and promotional materials affirming that the organizations are “open to all Princeton University students regardless of identity, such as race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected characteristics.”
The email was sent to all listed officers of student organizations sponsored by Campus Rec, ODUS, the Office of Religious Life, and the Pace Center for Civic Engagement.
According to the email, this policy has long been part of the ODUS Student Organization Standards, although ODUS has asked student organizations to renew their commitment to this language “by no later than March 28.”
As the Trump administration continues to target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across education, campus affinity and cultural groups have become more cautious about their programming, events, and messaging.
Brian Mhando ’26, the DEI Committee Chair of the Undergraduate Student Government, was involved in discussions with the administration that led to the new guidelines being issued.
“I do think it is essential at this time because we don’t know what’s going to happen. At least we can try our best to really prevent any damage before the worst-case scenario happens,” Mhando said in an interview with The Daily Princetonian.
Mhando is a former assistant Sports editor.
Although the core work of clubs and organizations on campus remains largely unchanged, many clubs have since revised their descriptions and placed greater emphasis on non-exclusivity in their public messaging.
“What’s at the front of my mind is that we’re making sure — and we’ve always made sure of it — of being compliant, because all of our events have always had to be open to the general public,” Jerry Atunku ’27, Co-President of the Princeton African Students Association (PASA), told the ‘Prince.’
Following the March 7 email, PASA promptly incorporated the phrasing requested by ODUS.
Atunku explained that while programming has remained the same as in past semesters, PASA is “making sure that that compliance is very visible.”
Princeton’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has also adopted the language recommended by ODUS, highlighting that the association is open to all students, regardless of identity.
“I actually think this is beneficial for our chapter,” Joseph Olatunji ’27, a member of Princeton NAACP’s Executive Board, wrote to the ‘Prince.’ “There’s this prevalent misconception that the NAACP is only for people of particular races or political affiliations.”
“In reality, it's a nonpartisan organization that is open to anyone sharing its mission: to eliminate racial prejudice and ensure the equality of marginalized groups,” Olatunji explained.
While Olatunji believes that the measures are “a reasonable first step” and “appreciate[s] the sentiment,” he questions how effective they will be given the unpredictable actions of the Trump administration.
“While it’s nice to know that this is an issue on their radar, a one-sentence disclaimer by affinity groups isn’t going to prevent federal funding from being cut if the Trump administration decides they don’t like what they see,” he wrote.
Although many student organization leaders have already complied with ODUS’s request to update their club descriptions and promotional materials, some feel the University has not provided sufficient resources or guidance in response to Trump’s actions.
“If Princeton becomes a target, nothing short of complete obedience will prevent the consequences,” Olatinji added. “And as of now, the university hasn’t done enough to instill confidence that they’ll stand firmly on their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion if met with any real opposition.”
ODUS has invited student organization leaders to a Q&A session addressing questions and concerns scheduled for Friday March 21, and directed students to the University’s new website for campus resources for general inquiries.
“There’s a lot riding on Friday’s meeting,” Ahmed Elbenni GS, a member of the Graduate Muslim Student Association, wrote to the ‘Prince.’ “We trust that the University’s guidance so far has been meant to help graduate students, but we’re unclear as to why we students are being asked to make these changes or what level of risk we are facing, and we’re expecting clarification on Friday.”
“What I’ve been trying to do is help figure out what next steps are for students — help them to protect themselves in case of any attacks on Princeton, which I think may happen soon,” Mhando said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re the next targeted institution.”
Sena Chang is a senior News writer for the ‘Prince.’ She typically covers campus and community activism, the state of higher education, and alumni news.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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