The Ohio State University has invited Pat Gelsinger to give the commencement address for the university's Spring 2022 ceremony. Mr. Gelsinger is the CEO of Intel and is known for his support of William Jessup University, Cru, and Family Life. William Jessup is a college with a title IX exemption that allows it to discriminate against LGBTQ students and its handbook specifically forbids LGBTQ students. Cru is a campus organization which forbids LGBTQ people from working as staff or volunteers, and Family Life is an associated anti-LGBTQ advocacy group whose website contains articles such as "Why we oppose same-sex marriage."

    We are living in a time when states across the country are launching a coordinated attack against LGBTQ people and their rights. It is unconscionable that the university would invite someone to speak who is financially supporting those causes. The LGBTQ students on this campus see what is going on across the country and are scared. Mr. Gelsinger's invitation is a slap in the faces of those students and a clear message that the university does not support the diverse students on its campus.

   We are calling on the Ohio State University to cancel Mr. Gelsinger's invitation and choose a commencement speaker who shows that the university is committed to its inclusive values and respects the identities of all students.