The integrity of Rollins’s nondiscrimination policy is under attack, calling into question the school’s commitment to diversity.

The current version of the Rollins College nondiscrimination policy was released in 2011, and reads as follows:

“Rollins College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, age, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical characteristics, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law, in its educational programs and activities.”

This exact policy was upheld by the Board of Trustees in 2013 when evangelical Christian organization InterVarsity was removed from campus for discriminating against an LGBT+ student faith leader.

Now, a similar organization, Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) is attempting to establish a charter on our campus. The students behind Cru have made it clear that they are unwilling to follow the Rollins nondiscrimination policy as it pertains to LGBT+ students who wish to be leaders in this organization.

While under normal circumstances, refusing to abide by this policy would be grounds to immediately dismiss the organization, President Cornwell is considering rewriting Rollins’s nondiscrimination policy to accommodate exactly this kind of discrimination. This is unacceptable and threatens the ability of LGBT+ students to practice their faith with Cru. It also paves the way for future discrimination at Rollins.

Tell President Cornwell to support the Rollins College nondiscrimination policy and mission statement by directly encouraging “opportunities to explore diverse intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic traditions,” “responsible leadership,” “social responsibility,” and a “healthy, responsive, and inclusive environment.” Using our template provided, write a letter to President Cornwell expressing your concerns about sanctioning discrimination at Rollins. Additionally, use the hashtag #TarsDontDiscriminate across social media to spread the word.

Thank you for supporting a safe and inclusive Rollins community.

Sincerely,

Sianna Boschetti '18 & Kalli Joslin '19