Celebrating LGBT Pride Month and a historic day in America
The Supreme Court today issued a historic decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, ruling that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide. Gov. McAuliffe also recently declared June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month in Virginia.
In that spirit, I am pleased to join in recognizing, honoring and celebrating the LGBTQ members of the Virginia Commonwealth University community — and their allies — who contribute so much to our university and help advance our mission of giving every human being from every background every chance to succeed.
When I ask faculty, staff and students why they have chosen to come to VCU, or what they love most about this university, they most often tell me the diversity and inclusion of all people. Together, we are committed to an environment of trust and will do everything we can to ensure that all of our people can thrive here in whatever ways they chose.
At VCU, every person matters. And all of our people are free to be what the world needs them to be: themselves.
Time and again, we have reaffirmed our commitment that everyone at VCU will be more than simply accepted or tolerated. They will be valued and embraced as critically important and respected members of our community whose bright ideas and innovative spirit will someday change the world.
That is one reason why we recently updated our policies to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. It is also why we host lectures, programs and events in recognition of Day of Silence (April 17), Virginia Pride (Sept. 12), National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11), LGBT History Month (October), and Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20).
When we empower and embrace everyone to live their very best life, to learn, discover, innovate and create in a culture of trust and valued inclusion, then all human beings benefit. Our commonwealth prospers. Our world thrives.
So I am proud to celebrate and recognize the contributions of so many people who make such a difference for VCU, and beyond.
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