USC President Carol L. Folt issued a statement of support and commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, which has been under legislative attack in other states within the country as of late.
“More than 200 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have already been introduced this year,” Folt said in her statement to the campus community. “Many of these proposals target LGBTQIA+ youth and would have devastating impacts on their emotional and physical well-being if passed into law – ranging from prohibiting the teaching of identity issues in public schools, to banning books with LGBTQIA+ themes, to restricting access to restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their identities, to denying access to gender affirming health care. The mere introductions of these bills – even if they do not pass – send damaging messages.”
Folt reiterated the University’s commitment to upholding a safe and supportive community for all USC community members. The University’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation incorporates a University-wide approach to preventing and responding to discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, retaliation, and specific forms of harassment based on sex: sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and related forms of conduct. Protected characteristics include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as specified in the Notice of Non-Discrimination.
Read President Folt’s full statement here.