University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner shared a message on February 24 to students, faculty and staff of the UH campuses.
To our UH System ʻohana:
Earlier this week the federal government reversed the previous guidance issued to schools, colleges and universities regarding Title IX protection for transgender students. Regardless of what the federal government compels nationwide through compliance requirements, UH remains steadfast in our commitment to nondiscrimination and prevention of sexual harassment, including protections for transgender, gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The University of Hawaiʻi initiated our program of protections for our LGBTQ+ community before the initial federal guidance, and our protections remain in place across the UH System regardless of this federal action. Our commitment includes but is not limited to: access to learning environments that are free of discrimination, bullying and harassment; access to restrooms and changing facilities and use of preferred names on university records and IDs.
I am grateful to our UH Systemwide LGBTQ+ Commission, which provides thoughtful and consistent advice and guidance as we work to ensure appropriate protections and support for all members of the UH community.
If you seek additional information or assistance please contact your campus support professionals or the LGBTQ+ Center at UH Mānoa: (808) 956-9250 or lgbtq@hawaii.edu
David Lassner, President
University of Hawaiʻi System
