June 16, 2020
Dear members of the Bellarmine Community,
As you may know, on Monday, the United States Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 protects employees from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The ruling is a landmark decision for our nation and for all of us, particularly the members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a Catholic institution that embraces the intrinsic dignity of all individuals and that is committed to core values of diversity, equity and inclusion, Bellarmine respects this Supreme Court decision. Our Strategic Plan, “Tradition and Transformation,” calls upon us to empower all members of our increasingly diverse community and support them to achieve their full potential. Bellarmine embraces our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff and alumni and the many contributions that they make to our community here and throughout the world.
As we continue to fight for justice, remember that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, and queer community continue to need our support far beyond employment protections. At Bellarmine, we strive to be a place where members of the LGBTQ+ community are not just protected, but where they are valued, respected, encouraged and emboldened to reach their full potential.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Donovan, Ph.D.
President