President Sundborg Speaks Out in Support of Transgender Students

In the wake of news that the Trump administration is considering ending recognition and protection of transgender persons under federal civil rights law, Seattle University remains firmly committed to its non-discrimination policies toward all of it students, inclusive of transgender students.

“We will reject and oppose any attempt to roll back protections for our transgender students,” said President Fr. Stephen V. Sundborg to loud applause during his October 25 president’s forum. “All students have the right to a safe and respectful learning environment.”

Any public policy that discriminates against persons based on their gender identity and sexual orientation runs counter to the university’s Jesuit Catholic mission to be an institution that promotes diversity and inclusion, said Sundborg.

Seattle University in recent months has worked to deepen it commitment to inclusive excellence, including moving forward with the formation of a task force this fall to identify ways to better support its LGBQT students and those in the wider university community. Sundborg tapped Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Natasha Martin and Vice President for Student Development Alvin Sturdivant to lead the effort.

“We are a better and stronger community and university because of the many contributions of our LGBTQ students, faculty and staff,” said Sundborg.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, led by Martin, was also established in recent years following recommendations from the university’s climate task force. Its mission is to foster an institutional culture where there is no dichotomy between our values of diversity and inclusion, and our goals of educational quality and excellence.