Expand the current EEO Non-Discrimination Policy to include gender identity/expression and mandate campus wide Safe Zone training.
Expand the current EEO Non-Discrimination Policy to include gender identity/expression and mandate campus wide Safe Zone training.
The Issue
Winston-Salem State University is obligated to ensure that every student is afforded a safe and affirming learning environment. When students are singled out and harassed because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, it creates an inherently unsafe learning environment which reproduces all of the components of systemic violence LGBT people face.
This matters because: Gender-identity / expression-inclusive non-discrimination policies help ensure university students and employees have recourse should they be discriminated against, mistreated or harassed due to bias against their transgender or gender non-conforming status. Futhermore, cultural competency trainings necessitates that every level of university personnel understand and are sensitive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and staff, and will engage with them in a respectful manner.
The recent incident involving WSSU junior, Aaron McCorkle underscores the critical need for expansion of the current non-discrimination policy.
Aaron McCorkle, a student and candidate for Mr. Winston Salem State University (WSSU), became the victim of harassment and cyber-bullying after opponents of his campaign posted a picture of him dressed in drag.
Aaron is an openly gay student and a respected member of the student body. He was elected to several student positions, including Student Government Association Freshman Class Council (2011-2012), and has served in numerous leadership roles within various student organizations. He is also a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar.
Some of the most disparaging and vitriolic tweets come from radio personality and WSSU alum Brian “B-Daht” McLaughlin. In a series of Twitter statuses published on March 28 and March 29, McLaughlin, a popular local DJ and MTV2 Wild 'N Out cast member, said he would not support the candidacy of WSSU junior Aaron McCorkle and threatening to quit his university PA duties if Aaron won the title.
McLaughlin's LGBT bias and discrimination fueled an additional barrage of tweets from WSSU students calling for acts of violence against Aaron.
Policies alone do not provide adequate protection. It is imperative that WSSU also implement programs and practices, such as mandated SafeZone training to create a campus culture of support and safety for all students.
The Issue
Winston-Salem State University is obligated to ensure that every student is afforded a safe and affirming learning environment. When students are singled out and harassed because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, it creates an inherently unsafe learning environment which reproduces all of the components of systemic violence LGBT people face.
This matters because: Gender-identity / expression-inclusive non-discrimination policies help ensure university students and employees have recourse should they be discriminated against, mistreated or harassed due to bias against their transgender or gender non-conforming status. Futhermore, cultural competency trainings necessitates that every level of university personnel understand and are sensitive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and staff, and will engage with them in a respectful manner.
The recent incident involving WSSU junior, Aaron McCorkle underscores the critical need for expansion of the current non-discrimination policy.
Aaron McCorkle, a student and candidate for Mr. Winston Salem State University (WSSU), became the victim of harassment and cyber-bullying after opponents of his campaign posted a picture of him dressed in drag.
Aaron is an openly gay student and a respected member of the student body. He was elected to several student positions, including Student Government Association Freshman Class Council (2011-2012), and has served in numerous leadership roles within various student organizations. He is also a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar.
Some of the most disparaging and vitriolic tweets come from radio personality and WSSU alum Brian “B-Daht” McLaughlin. In a series of Twitter statuses published on March 28 and March 29, McLaughlin, a popular local DJ and MTV2 Wild 'N Out cast member, said he would not support the candidacy of WSSU junior Aaron McCorkle and threatening to quit his university PA duties if Aaron won the title.
McLaughlin's LGBT bias and discrimination fueled an additional barrage of tweets from WSSU students calling for acts of violence against Aaron.
Policies alone do not provide adequate protection. It is imperative that WSSU also implement programs and practices, such as mandated SafeZone training to create a campus culture of support and safety for all students.
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Petition created on April 5, 2014