Supporting UMBC's Transgender Community

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:55:58 -0400
campuslife, diversityandinclusion, mosaic

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

Following recent press reports of a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposal to narrow the federal definition of gender used to enforce equality in education under Title IX, we write to affirm that UMBC remains dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students and employees.

If implemented, the revised definition could substantially erode protected status under federal civil rights law for approximately 1.4 million people who identify as transgender. We strongly oppose this divisive proposal. Guided by our own institutional values and policies, UMBC will continue to take active measures to prevent and combat all forms of gender- and gender identity-based discrimination.

The diversity of UMBC’s community and our commitment to inclusive excellence are among our greatest strengths. While we recognize that achieving inclusion is an ongoing process, we will continue to strive to make our campus a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including transgender people and other members of the LGBTQ community.

We will continue to monitor the status of the HHS proposal and will keep you updated on this and other proposed changes to Title IX that the Administration may release in the coming months.

We are also committed to providing information and other supportive resources for members of the UMBC community with particular concerns about civil rights related to gender identity. Resources are available at the following sites:

UMBC Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

USM Policy of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression

LGBTQ+ Resources at UMBC

UMBC Gender Inclusive Housing Options

UMBC Career Center Resources

The Mosaic Center

UMBC LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association

UMBC LGBTQ Student Union

President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Shelly Wiechelt, President, LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association
John Platter, Executive Director, LGBTQ Student Union