We, the undersigned faculty and staff of the University of Denver, are standing in public opposition to the recent Supreme Court ruling rescinding abortion rights.

When people are not given full autonomy over their childbearing, then they are not able to participate as full and equal members of society. Pregnant students who are denied the right to choose abortion are denied the equal opportunity protection guaranteed by Title IX. Our students, staff, faculty, adjuncts and all other members of the DU community are among those whose rights have been abrogated.

We unequivocally condemn the decision of the Supreme Court. The Dobbs ruling overturns a long-standing, historical civil right that facilitates fair and equal access to participation in all spheres of society, including education.  

We call on the University of Denver to make a clear statement in support of full access to abortion, and offer financial and logistical support to any community member who finds themselves in a jurisdiction where they are not able to access abortion and reproductive health rights.

Further, the Dobbs decision indicates a dangerous effort to narrow and shrink rights, and we call on all like-minded members of the University of Denver community to take regular concerted action towards re-securing and expanding civil rights.