Marc Tessier-Lavigne

Earlier today, President Trump issued an executive order calling on federal agencies to “take appropriate steps, in a manner consistent with applicable law, including the First Amendment, to ensure institutions that receive Federal research or education grants promote free inquiry, including through compliance with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and policies.” At Stanford we have had a longstanding commitment to freedom of expression.

Provost Drell and I are providing a further update to our community on the steps Stanford is taking to respond to the recent admissions fraud scheme. We know that this episode has jarred the trust of many Americans in the college admissions process, and it has prompted many questions from the Stanford community. We are determined to take the right steps at Stanford to ensure the integrity of our process and to work toward rebuilding that trust.

We write to express our shock and deep sorrow following today’s attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our profound sympathies and support go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, and to all members of the Muslim community in New Zealand and around the world.

By now many of you have seen the news that Stanford’s head sailing coach was charged today, along with many others around the country, in an alleged scheme that involved payments intended to influence the admission of students to a number of U.S. colleges and universities. To the two of us, this is nothing short of appalling.

On many occasions over the past few years, in the context of different issues in our nation and on our campus, the two of us have tried to share an important message: Every member of our community at Stanford University is valued. Now is a time to underline that message once again.

Experts navigate a critical moment in energy and climate science.

As we remember Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend, I want to take this moment to recognize the tireless efforts and persistent work of the students, faculty and staff who are promoting social progress through research, education and service.

Two years of input validated our priorities.

You may have seen our announcement today that we are building a new solar plant to power our campus and reduce Stanford’s carbon footprint. This new plant, combined with our existing solar generating systems, will allow the university to complete its transition to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2021.

I want to take this moment, on Election Day, to encourage each and every eligible member of the Stanford community to cast your vote, if you haven’t already. Voting is the bedrock of our democratic system, and it is an essential way to support the issues you care about and the representatives you think can carry forth those promises.