Statement from Chancellor Kent Syverud

Today, the United States Supreme Court ruled that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Americans are protected from employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We applaud this decision, while recognizing that it does little to allay fears of discrimination in health care based on last week’s rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Syracuse University is committed to supporting students, faculty and staff with marginalized gender identities and sexualities. These members of our community have the right to equal treatment under the law—whether in employment or health care—and to study and work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Syracuse University does not discriminate and prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected category, including creed, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, sexual orientation, domestic violence status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender.

At Syracuse University, any complaint of discrimination or harassment on these bases should be reported to Sheila Johnson-Willis, the University’s chief equal opportunity & Title IX officer, by email at titleix@syr.edu or by telephone at 315.443.0211.

Community members who experience bias or witness a bias incident can also visit the STOP Bias website to report or receive support for bias-related incidents.