To Case Western Reserve University Faculty, Staff and Students:
I write today in support of our LGBTQ+ community members. Last week, the Cleveland Catholic Diocese issued a new formal policy on LGBTQ+ expression in its parishes and 84 diocesan schools. Among the tenets of the new policy are prohibiting celebration and advocacy of LGBTQ+ identity, the use of pronouns other than those associated with gender assigned at birth, and same-sex couples attending parish or school dances. This policy has sparked wide-ranging conversations in the Catholic community.
I remind our community that diversity and inclusiveness are core CWRU values, including civility and a free exchange of ideas. I understand that members of the CWRU community may hold a variety of views on this new policy from the Cleveland Diocese. To be clear, all are welcome at CWRU. I see this moment as an opportunity for us to embrace diversity and inclusion and likewise to embrace empathy and respect for one another and for those who share different viewpoints.
I urge all of us to support our LGBTQ+ students, colleagues and friends. We are all integral members of our campus community and are welcome here.
Eric W. Kaler
President