The following message was provided by the Office of the President.

 

Dear University Community:

Many of us have been dismayed and appalled by recent legislative actions in other states that could allow widespread discrimination.

I want to affirm Humboldt State University’s strong commitment to social justice and human rights.  This commitment is articulated in our mission, vision, and values, which emphasize our institutional foundations in social responsibility and civic engagement.

The laws in question, including Indiana’s “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” have reinforced the resolve of many in the Humboldt State University community to continue working for the rights of all people to live without discrimination or prejudice. 

University policy explicitly outlines our long-standing opposition to discrimination of any sort:

“No employee or student shall on the basis of race, color, gender identity/expression, genetic information,  religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or national or ethnic origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, under any program of the University.”

I am proud to be a part of a community that works every day to uphold these values and to deepen our commitment to support a community that is diverse, welcoming, and non-discriminatory.  Developing the new strategic plan for the University, which has included broad discussions about supporting an inclusive and diverse community, is one of the ways in which we are engaging in this effort.  The legislative activities in other states provide another opportunity for deeper conversations both inside and outside the classroom.

Executive Memorandum P11-06, “Humboldt State University Nondiscrimination Policy,” was approved in 2011.  It can be reviewed at www.humboldt.edu/policy/PEM-P11-06Humboldt-State-University-Nondiscrimin....  

 

With best wishes,

Lisa A. Rossbacher, Ph.D.

President