The University considers transgender rights to be human rights, and remains fully committed to supporting transgender students, staff, and faculty.
Dear Members of the UMass Dartmouth Campus Community,
In light of recent executive action at the federal level, I considered it important to reassure members of our community that the University considers transgender rights to be human rights, and remains fully committed to supporting transgender students, staff, and faculty. Our University's diversity policy affirms our "deep commitment to the continued development and maintenance of an academic community in which the individual dignity and potential of each of its members are given full respect, recognition, and encouragement."
While the newest guidance from the federal government rescinds some federal protections for transgender students, UMass Dartmouth will continue to strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students, including transgender students. Most recently, the university converted more than 62 single-occupancy restrooms to all-gender restrooms and the School of Law established a Human Rights at Home Clinic that provides legal assistance to transgender individuals.
We are fortunate to be citizens of a Commonwealth in which civic and political leaders are willing to defend the civil rights of all people. Last summer, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed a bi-partisan transgender public accommodations bill. Over the last 48 hours, the Governor, Senate President, Attorney General, and many other elected leaders have spoken in opposition to the federal action, and they have pledged to protect transgender students from discrimination in Massachusetts.
Further information on the university's resources for transgender students can be found at: umassd.edu/cwgs/lgbtresources/transresources/.