On February 23, 2017, Augsburg College’s Mike Grewe sent a letter reiterating the support by Augsburg College of equity and inclusion for transgender students. The text of the letter by Grewe, who is Director of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) Student Services and Assistant Director, Campus Activities and Orientation, is below. Augsburg College is deeply committed to social justice and human rights and remains committed to inclusion and equity for transgender students.
Text of Letter to Augsburg Community
Dear Augsburg Community,
As many of you are aware, yesterday the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice withdrew support for their “Dear Colleague Letter on Transgender Students” from May 2016. This letter stated that discrimination against transgender individuals was covered under Title IX protections regarding sex non-discrimination in higher education. The letter also gave guidance around how to provide support for transgender students, both within K-12 settings and within higher education.
I’m emailing to let you know that the federal government’s decision to withdraw it’s support for federal transgender non-discrimination protection does not impact Augsburg’s commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for transgender and gender non-conforming students here. Augsburg’s non-discrimination statement includes gender identity and gender expression, and as a “Reconciling in Christ” institution within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Augsburg affirms and welcomes LGBTQIA-identified individuals.
Some of the many commitments Augsburg has made to furthering equity and inclusion for transgender students include providing:
- Safe and nondiscriminatory living, learning and working environments, and giving students opportunities to report any issues through its Bias & Discrimination Incident Reporting Process;
- The ability to indicate one’s preferred name on certain campus records;
- Increased number of gender-neutral restrooms, showers, and changing facilities on campus, including in the Hagfors Center;
- Gender-neutral housing accommodations on campus;
- Access to participate in intramural activities and varsity athletics; and
- Trans-specific and trans-inclusive training to faculty, staff, and students.
Providing equity and access requires all of us to do our part to make a welcoming, affirming, and safe campus for every individual. If you have an idea that would contribute towards this goal, Augsburg encourages you to apply for funds from the President’s Fund to Advance Peacemaking and to make the change you want to see happen on campus.
LGBTQIA Student Services exists as a resource on campus for students who are looking for support, advocacy, resources, or finding community. If you are seeking support or resources, or if you just have questions or need help navigating something on campus, please do not hesitate to contact me at grewe@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1499.
Mike Grewe
Director of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) Student Services
Assistant Director, Campus Activities and Orientation