1. To call on Boston College to approve the creation of an LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Queer and trans students at Boston College deserve to be supported and protected just as all students are. We call on Boston College to finally live up to its obligation to care for and support all of its students and approve the creation of an LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
Students at BC have been advocating for the creation of such a space for years. Boston College already hosts a number of spaces designed to support members of marginalized communities, including The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center, The Boston College Women’s Center, The Office of Disabilities, and Monseratt House. It is time Boston College recognized the equal dignity of LGBTQ+ students and heed the calls to approve an LGBTQ+ Resource Center.
An LGBTQ+ Resource Center would foster a strong sense of belonging and security among Queer and Trans students. It would serve as a tangible sign of inclusion and care offered to LGBTQ+ students, who often have a more difficult time finding these vital necessities on campus. Because of a lack of permanent and institutionalized support LGBTQ+ students end up providing a tremendous amount of support for their peers even though they are the ones in very need of that care. The center will serve as an educational and support resource as well as provide a safe space on campus for LGBTQ+ students.
2. To call on Boston College to include gender identity in its University Notice of Nondiscrimination
Secondly in order to protect transgender and non-binary students from discrimination and harassment, we call upon the BC administration to add gender identity to its non-discrimination policy. In 2005 the school added sexual orientation to the policy but failed to include gender identity. This omission needs to be rectified. Transgender and gender non-confirming communities, particularly people of color, are among the most vulnerable in facing discrimination. Including gender identity in BC’s non-discrimination policy is an important step in acknowledging the existence and respecting the dignity of trans and non-binary students. The culture at any institution is shaped by the attitudes and policies of its administration. It is time for Boston College to demonstrate unequivocally that trans and non-binary students are equal members of the community who will be supported and protected in every way.
Questions: email James Mazareas
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https://www.change.org/p/father-leahy-gender-neutral-housing-on-boston-college-s-campus