The University of Maryland Prevention Research Center (UMD-PRC) endorses the May 19th statement of support for transgender and nonbinary Terps from UMD leadership, including UMD President Darryll J. Pines, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Georgina Dodge, Vice President for Student Affairs Patty Perillo, and Director of Athletics Damon Evans.
In this statement, UMD leaders acknowledge the increase in proposed anti-transgender legislation in many states and the negative impact such legislation is having on transgender and nonbinary communities. UMD leaders specifically assert their support of transgender health care and transgender athletes’ right to participate in sports. They demonstrate UMD’s support of transgender persons by listing current UMD policies and programs which address student health, bias response, sports and recreation, and other LGBTQ+ resources.
The UMD-PRC fully supports UMD leadership in its stance against anti-transgender legislation and promotion of UMD policies and services that support transgender students, faculty, and staff.
Moreover, the UMD-PRC is especially enthusiastic about UMD leadership’s statement that “we must do more” and their commitment to “advance policies, practices, procedures and resources for our transgender and nonbinary communities.” As our research demonstrates, urgent, sustained action towards justice and equity is crucial for achieving LGBTQ+ health equity. The UMD-PRC is confident that university leadership and units across campus will build on this statement and work towards cultivating a campus where transgender and nonbinary students can truly thrive as equal, cherished members of our community.