At the June meeting of the Wayne State University Board of Governors Student Affairs Committee, there was a presentation of a new Center for Gender and Sexuality. A board member responded with offensive, demeaning, and transphobic language attacking the entire LGBTQIA+ community. We were deeply disappointed that neither President Wilson nor committee chair Kelly spoke against those comments.

AAUP-AFT Local 6075 rejects hateful speech and stands in solidarity with all those committed to achieving an equitable employment and educational environment within the university, including standing against discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. We strongly oppose any actions or speech from individuals employed by or elected to represent Wayne State University that attack the values which we stand for and have long struggled for on campus, in the community, and in our governing contract.

We hope that with the appointment of a new president, the Board of Governors and administration will work diligently to uphold and strengthen the values of equity and diversity for which our university stands.