[See New Action: 'Plumbing Code Comment Request', sent 9.18.2020]

[See Update: 'Farnam Response', sent 8.21.2020]

[see Update: ‘Have you spoken with cmu admin?’, sent 8.11.2020]

Overview — Protect TIN People at CMU

(trans, intersex, and nonbinary)

CMU’s campus is not currently safe or welcoming to TIN community members, and solutions which address individual issues are often ad-hoc and do nothing to dismantle the antiquated and oppressive systems operating at CMU. TIN community members have come together to demand:

1. A process for addressing these issues which empower+center TIN voices

2. Protection from harassment+discrimination via CMU campus policy

3. Equal restroom access — all-gender restrooms as default

4. All-gender housing as default

5. Inclusive identity management on all platforms

6. Equitable access to health resources

7. Bias training for staff and students (in collaboration with other marginalized groups)

8. Create competent support at CMU for TIN students

9. The university respond to our demands by August 20th and either agree and publish a timeline OR explain why they do not value our lives and safety

Introduction

Transgender, Intersex, and Nonbinary (TIN) people have historically been excluded from consideration when it comes to applying policies, applying practices, and distributing resources equitably at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Though some progress has been made to improve conditions for TIN community members, solutions are often ad-hoc and do nothing to dismantle the systems which deny TIN individuals equitable access. TIN students, staff, and faculty have come together to identify needed changes at CMU, which are outlined in this document.

This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change as issues arise (refer to the Addendum). Additionally, these demands largely address the needs of current CMU community members. The University, with leadership from TIN community members, must also address the needs of potential or incoming community members as well as additional needs yet to be addressed. These include needs within Athletics, Recruitment, Marketing/Communications, Admissions, Dress Code, Academic Departmental Conduct, Demographic Data, & Greek Life.

These demands focus on the needs of TIN community members broadly, but it is also important to recognize that TIN individuals stand at many different intersections of identity and are subject to oppression relating to those identities. In particular, addressing the specific needs of black and indigenous people of color (BIPOC) are of the utmost importance. We stand for the demands raised by CMU community members to address issues faced by our BIPOC community members.

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*** Updated Action Items for Allies ***

• SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR LEADERSHIP. HERE’S A RECOMMENDED TEMPLATE:

TO: farnam@cmu.edu, provost@andrew.cmu.edu, ginac@andrew.cmu.edu, [the head of your department/office]

SUBJECT: Supporting TIN Demands

Dear Leadership,

I wholeheartedly support the demands of the TIN (Trans, Intersex, Nonbinary) community at CMU, as documented here. They have released a relevant petition update here.

On their behalf, and in keeping with our values as an institution, I ask that you publicly commit to advancing the efforts of trans, intersex, and nonbinary community members. Please commit to increasing and expanding equitable access to campus resources for TIN folks, and to holding our administration accountable for making much-needed change.

This is not easy work, it is not quick work, but it is vital and ethical work.

From my heart, which is in this work,

[your name]

• POST THE PETITION AND THE LIVING DOCUMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

• CONTACT ORGANIZATIONS YOU ARE ALREADY A PART OF AND ASK THEM TO SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION.

• IF YOU ARE A TIN AFFILIATE OF CMU, SEND US AN EMAIL TO SIGN THE DEMANDS DOCUMENT DIRECTLY!

• PROACTIVELY SELF-EDUCATE — USE YOUR RESOURCES AND HOLD YOUR PEERS ACCOUNTABLE. STAY TUNED FOR OUR UPCOMING ‘RESOURCES FOR SELF-EDUCATION.’