PGSG & PPDA statement in support of LGBTQ+ Boilermakers
The Purdue Graduate Student Government (PGSG) and the Purdue Postdoctoral Association (PPDA) are committed to supporting our LGBTQ+ Boilermakers.
In 2022, Purdue University was named one of the “Best-of-the-Best” universities for LGBTQ+ students, including receiving 4.5/5 stars in LGBTQ+ Support and Institutional Commitment and Campus Safety. PGSG and PPDA seeks to maintain Purdue as a top-tier university in LGBTQ+ support by promoting an environment of acceptance, inclusivity, and belonging for all LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. This is especially meaningful for transgender and gender diverse people who are facing heightened levels of marginalization and discrimination.
Transphobia has no place at this university, including amongst our guest speakers and campus organizations. We feel that it is imperative to acknowledge the gravity and violence towards the LGBTQ+ community and the harm that the presence of individuals such as Michael Knowles does to the Purdue and Greater Lafayette community. PGSG and PPDA believe that lending University resources and platforms to events seeking to marginalize specific populations of the Purdue University community goes beyond free discourse – beyond the level of free inquiry that this University excels at – and instead encourages a level of violence and discrimination against those populations which deeply harms the Purdue University community and threatens the diversity which enriches this University.
Knowles’ comments go against Purdue’s stated commitment “to provid[e] an educational and work environment free of discrimination and harassment and… not condone and …not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any person in the University Community.” PGSG and PPDA supports a diverse and inclusive campus, and is committed to upholding a culture of belonging on Purdue’s campus.
LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff should feel comfortable being part of the Purdue community. Speakers that are intended to speak on “the issue of transgender ideology in the United States,” do not promote a welcoming environment. Transgender and gender diverse Boilermakers have a right to exist on campus freely without scrutiny and should feel safe to achieve their goals.
As Transgender Day of Visibility approaches on Friday, March 31, PGSG and PPDA ask for the wider campus community to support their transgender and gender diverse community members by attending events, educating themselves, and showing love to those around them. We understand how distressing these events can be for our LGBTQ+ Boilermakers, a list of local and national resources is located below for those needing support and those wanting to learn how to be a better ally.
Yours,
Purdue Graduate Student Government
Purdue Postdoctoral Association
Resource Links:
Trans Day of Visibility, March 31
CAPS – Counseling and Psychological Services
CAPS hotline (765) 494-6995
CARE – Center for Advocacy, Response & Education – stalking, harassment and interpersonal violence
24/7 Hotline: 765-495-CARE
24/7 Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
LGBTQ+ Trans Inclusion Training