Chancellor Phillip P. DiStefano
As you may be aware, the White House on Wednesday night rescinded previous guidance contained within a May 13, 2016, Dear Colleague Letter regarding transgender rights at K-12 and higher education campuses.
First, I want to state unequivocally that we welcome, support and respect our transgender community and are here to engage you as a vital member of the CU Boulder community. All members of the CU Boulder community deserve to feel welcome, safe and respected.
This announcement does not alter existing federal or Colorado law that provides discrimination protection for transgender people. This announcement does not change our Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Sexual Misconduct Policy or our interpretation of either. We will continue to prohibit discrimination or harassment based on gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation.
Within our own community, I ask you to join me to remain committed to always improving our campus climate to ensure every member of our community feels safe, welcome and respected. Personally, I pledge to continue my work with national organizations to continue to build and expand an inclusive environment for community members who identify as transgender. My personal goal is to advance understanding about the importance of ensuring each and every student feels welcome and able to thrive in an educational setting.
Everyone—including state and federal lawmakers, university administrators and our campus community—should focus on promoting and ensuring equal access to education for every one of our students, faculty and staff members.
The University of Colorado Boulder remains committed to providing transgender students, faculty and staff with a safe and nondiscriminatory environment. If you have any questions or would like further information, please find the campus resources listed below.
Phillip P. DiStefano,
Chancellor
Campus resources
- For general resources: Gender and Sexuality Center, 303-492-1377
- For events and additional information: Department of Women and Gender Studies
- For counseling service: Office of Victim Assistance, 303-492-8855
- To report claims of harassment or discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or on any other protected-class basis: Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, 303-492-2127
