Ken Shaw comments on university’s diversity efforts amidst new legislation

Written by: Hayden Kobza

Southern Adventist University President Ken Shaw shared a statement with the Accent about the university’s stance on its diversity initiatives.

“After reviewing the executive orders — considering what I hear and read in the news, having conversations with other university presidents and meeting with colleagues here at Southern — I have found no evidence that Southern is out of compliance with any of the executive orders,” Shaw stated in an email to the Accent.

“My perspective on diversity is simple and rooted in how I believe we should approach it as individuals,” Shaw continued. “It is based on Jesus’ second great commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 22:39 NIV). As disciples of Jesus, this principle should guide our actions. In the words of John, ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:34-35 NKJV).”

This statement comes after a wave of executive orders from President Donald Trump aimed to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government, as well as in schools and universities that receive federal funding.

U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore issued a preliminary injuction that has temporarily blocked key provisions of Trump’s executive order restricting DEI initiatives, citing concerns about its constitutionality.

According to the Associated Press, the injunction prevents the immediate enforcement of measures that would cut federal funding to institutions that fail to comply with the order’s restrictions.

For Shaw, no matter what happens, Southern has a higher calling for the people it serves. 

“At Southern, our stance is clear: All students and employees are valued and should be treated as children of God, regardless of their background,” Shaw stated.