Research
​Northeastern University's mission is to “create a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive, succeed, and feel a strong sense of belonging.” This report assesses how the Northeastern community experiences that mission in practice. Northeastern EFP will share this report with the Northeastern community and administration and will work with the Student Government Association to advocate for policy reforms based on our findings.
Findings
Policy
Northeastern Student Government Association Legislation Passed:
A Senate Resolution to Create Light, Truth, and Courage Reforms
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The motto of Northeastern University is Light, Truth, and Courage. We're calling upon Northeastern to fulfill this by implementing our reforms:
Light: The University's Guiding Values
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Freedom of Expression: 55.8% of surveyed students do not feel confident Northeastern promotes free expression
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: 78.8% of surveyed student leaders believe the cuts to the Office of DEI and its rebranding to the Office of Belonging do not represent the university's mission of belonging. EFP is pushing for Northeastern to adequately fund programs supporting marginalized communities and require the Office of Belonging to publish regular progress updates.
Truth: The Pursuit of Knowledge and Practice of Honesty
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Research and Career Opportunities: 96.9% of surveyed students report negative impacts to educational opportunities from federal grant cuts and Northeastern's own cost cutting. To ensure a quality education protected from outside harm, the university must be transparent about financial decisions and involved students and faculty in the process
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement: 69.5% of Northeastern students feel the university is not transparent about the actions they would take if ICE enters campus, leaving them scared and confused. To give students security, Northeastern should publish clear protocols and commit to not share international students' information with ICE.
Courage: Protecting, Trusting, and Empowering Your Students
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Resources for International Students: Nearly 89% of student leaders feels little to no confidence that Northeastern would defend international students' rights, and 96% believe Northeastern should provide legal resources to those whose immigration status may be at risk considering this, EFP is calling for the creation of an immigrants' rights legal advising clinic within the School of Law
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Administrative Transparency and Student Representation: Over 95% of the Northeastern community believes students should participate in university policy decision making processes. To address this, Northeastern should introduce student representatives to the Policy Oversight Committee and the Board of Trustees, and increase transparency from both bodies.