Condemning Transphobic Vandalism at CMU

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon Community,

Empathy, compassion, acceptance and inclusion are among our core values at CMU and the university continues to create a more welcoming experience for our trans, intersex, nonbinary (TIN) and gender expansive community members. This fall we are making visible progress with these initiatives, including the work of the all-gender restroom access committee, which is charged by the Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs to create safer and more inclusive on-campus facilities.

I was distressed to recently learn that there was an act of transphobic vandalism on our campus that involved the defacement of inclusive restroom signage. I write today to affirm that university leadership stands alongside our fellow trans, intersex and nonbinary (TIN) community members in condemning this behavior. Our community is saddened to bear witness to these forms of hatred targeting trans identities — specifically trans women. The CMU Police Department has been engaged to conduct a thorough investigation of the incidents.

For those harmed by these acts, we encourage you to take advantage of campus resources that might be of help to you.

While we continue to make strides every day, our work is never done — there is always progress to be made. At CMU, we are committed to being an inclusive campus and these acts will not deter us. Together with your continued help and support, we will strive for equitable treatment of all community members in all facets of campus life.

Sincerely,

Wanda Heading-Grant
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer