Gender Equality
Challenge
When North Carolina passed its controversial bathroom bill, HB2, in March 2016, it became clear to university leadership that taking simple actions could show support for the university’s LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff and help restore dignity while increasing awareness of the challenges some members of the Stetson community face.
Actions
In addition to already offering the Stetson University Cross Cultural Center as a safe space, and gender-neutral housing options, in the spring of 2015-2016 and fall of 2016-2017 academic years, the university took on two additional projects.
The first was to identify all of the single user bathroom facilities on campus and to replace general signage with “All Gender” on single user bathrooms.
The second was to work with the university Gender Studies program to offer suggestions and training on changes in gender pronouns. That training began with the university’s Campus Life and Student Success Department and the administrative council, a group of university leadership that meets quarterly.
In addition to the two campus projects, the university took two additional steps.
- The Athletics Department showed its support by pledging not to take part in any tournaments or championship activities in North Carolina until HB2 was repealed.
- The university president signed on to an NCAA statement opposing HB2.
“The CEO Action for Inclusion pledge expands our commitment beyond the campus and reminds us -- students, faculty and staff -- that this work isn’t limited to classrooms but reaches into the businesses and professional careers to which students aspire. In fact, the pledge is an extension of our mission, to foster in our students those qualities of mind and heart that prepare them as citizens of their communities and the world.” Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D., President, Stetson University.
Results
More than 100 members of university leadership and student facing staff have undergone appropriate language training and campus bathrooms have been identified as “All Gender” and located on an interactive map for easy and quick access.
Quote
The CEO Action for Inclusion pledge expands our commitment beyond the campus and reminds us -- students, faculty and staff -- that this work isn’t limited to classrooms but reaches into the businesses and professional careers to which students aspire. In fact, the pledge is an extension of our mission, to foster in our students those qualities of mind and heart that prepare them as citizens of their communities and the world.