Inclusive Promise

Stellar Assures Protection for Transgender, Immigrant Members of University

UAlbany has a tradition of supporting transgender rights. Above, a 2015 vigil held as part of Transgender Awareness Week. (Photos by Mark Schmidt)

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 3, 2017) — Interim President James R. Stellar Thursday reiterated UAlbany’s commitment to protection and inclusiveness of transgender and gender non-conforming members of the University family.

Interim President James R. Stellar

Stellar’s statement to students, faculty and staff came in response to a decision Feb. 22 by the U.S. departments of Justice and Education, rescinding certain federal protections for transgender and gender non-conforming students. The rulings removed protections allowing students in public education institutions to use bathrooms and facilities that are consistent with their gender identity.

“Please be assured that this action will not impact the University at Albany’s policy and practice, nor our longstanding commitment to inclusive excellence and equal protection,” Stellar said. “Our educational facilities, activities, services, programs and employment opportunities shall continue to be offered without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction.”

Stellar noted that the University has worked to create a safer and more inclusive campus environment for transgender and gender non-conforming members, including gender-inclusive housing options and the creation of the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center.

Stellar recently issued another campus-wide statement in response to changes in federal policy, affirming UAlbany’s commitment to all students, regardless of national origin or immigration status.

“We are fortunate to be part of the State University of New York, which has articulated a strong position on diversity and inclusion, including a new policy for campus policing that affirms SUNY’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of undocumented students,” Stellar said. “UAlbany is in the process of adopting and implementing that policy.”

Stellar noted that the University has reached out to those affected by federal immigration actions to let them know about available resources.

“Now more than ever, we must come together as a community — to support one another and cultivate compassion and awareness about how events may impact our friends and colleagues,” he said.

Students with questions or concerns about these important issues — including academic resources, counseling support or other information — can contact Student CARE Services at [email protected] or 518-442-5501. That office help find specific resources or services that would be the most helpful.

For questions about the University’s protections of transgender and gender non-conforming members of the campus community, contact Chantelle Cleary, UAlbany’s Title IX coordinator, at 518-956-8168 or [email protected].

“Please be assured that UAlbany stands in strong support of every member of our community,” Stellar said. “We will continue to provide updates whenever new information becomes available.

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