On January 1, 2017 the University of Arkansas (U of A) system began covering critical gender affirmation treatment for transgender individuals in their employee health care plan.  

Just 23 days later, the U of A system suspended coverage citing an injunction on Affordable Care Act regulations that prohibit employers from excluding or limiting services related to gender transition. By discontinuing trans healthcare benefits after the injunction, the message is loud and clear: U of A will only support trans employees when required by law.

The injunction gave the university system the opening it needed to discriminate against transgender individuals, denying access to treatment - a decision that goes against the recommendations of the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Medical Association.

All three scientific/professional associations acknowledge the need to provide health care coverage for transition related care that is quite literally a matter of life and death for many transgender individuals.  

Please tell U of A system President, Donald R. Bobbitt, and members of the Board of Trustees that we expect more from our institutions of higher education.  Urge them to reinstate transgender health benefits for the staff and faculty who support the educational mission of University of Arkansas.