Statement on Trans Inclusion

As faculty in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (SISS), we affirm our commitment to SJSU’s values of “serving a diverse student body by actively identifying and working towards dismantling systemic inequities in our institution.” We are committed to the movements for social and racial justice. We align with the SJSU Mission, Values, and Vision in its “pursuit to eradicate disparities and advance justice [which] encompasses all axes of difference, backgrounds, and identities and promotes a sense of belonging and empowerment in our community.” 

In light of recent events both nationally and on the SJSU campus, we feel compelled to assert our support for our trans* colleagues and students and the need to create a trans* inclusive campus community. Students cannot thrive or learn in a hostile environment. In our current socio-political moment, LBGTQ+ students, faculty, and staff are facing persisting violence, discrimination, and marginalization. 

As SISS faculty we will continue to foster a welcoming and supportive departmental environment by creating spaces within our classrooms and by developing inclusive curriculum that makes visible and empowers the experiences of trans* lives and the movement to create a trans* liberated society.

We hope the University will similarly meet this moment with the appropriate resources to ensure SJSU is a safe campus community.