October 13, 2023 | By Nick Pfost
The University of Michigan's vice provost for equity & inclusion and chief diversity officer has publicly affirmed the right of students, faculty, and staff to use campus restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms that are consistent with their gender identity.
In a letter to the university community, Dr. Tabbye Chavous said, "In the state of Michigan all individuals have the legal right to use restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms consistent with their gender identity in all public educational institutions, no questions asked. Consistent with U-M’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and human dignity, we affirm and uphold the law – supporting and protecting all campus community members’ and campus visitors’ safe access to restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. We will not deny access or discriminate against individuals based on their LGBTQIA2S+ identities or any other protected identity class."
In 2023, the state of Michigan also expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to enshrine in law protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Charvous' statement comes during LGBT History Month, and on the eve of Transgender Awareness Month, when communities recognize, honor, and celebrate the histories, communities, and people who are transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and more.
Rooting this policy in both law and in the university's core values, Chavous added that "[we] have a responsibility and must show leadership and courage not only in advancing and supporting equity-oriented laws and policies but also in taking active and continual steps toward creating a culture of full inclusion for our LGBTQIA2S+ community."
Read the full statement from VP Chavous.