30 March 2023
In Support of the Drake University Trans Community

Dear Drake Community,

Drake University is a community that cares about and values all members of our community. We believe that creating a culture of belonging and inclusion means recognizing, respecting, and defending each individual’s value. It means recognizing that our differences make us richer and stronger. It means rising in vocal, visible, and steadfast support when we know members of our community are vulnerable—even under attack. Remaining silent when others are hurting is not our way.

Given the rise in the local(1) and national(2) legislation and discourse targeting transgender people, the undersigned publicly acknowledge the harmful ramifications of these laws and discourses. We reaffirm that the Drake community stands with transgender and gender nonconforming people. This is not to say that we don’t stand with other groups—to give support to one group does not take away from others. And of course, transgender people are themselves part of every group.

Today, we are speaking directly to legislation passed in the state of Iowa that denies all forms of gender affirming care until people turn 18. Such bans have been decried by leading medical organizations. Overwhelming scientific evidence demonstrates the value of gender-affirming care and the consequences and harm to transgender people when basic healthcare is denied(3). A second bill—now law—jeopardizes the health and well-being of Iowa youth by requiring students in K-12 public schools to use bathrooms according to their sex assigned at birth. This bill is based on unfounded fears(4). It is an attack on the basic human dignity of trans- and gender nonconforming people—as well as their safety. It also puts all youth at risk who may now be questioned—based on physical appearance alone—as to whether they are in the “right” bathroom (cisgender people who appear to be the “wrong” gender will be caught up in this gender policing as well).

These are just two examples of many bills introduced in Iowa that target the well-being of transgender people and are creating a threatening atmosphere that creeps beyond the reach of the law. While we here at Drake are not directly impacted by the specific bans codified by these recent laws, we know members of our campus community are harmed by their impact and the climate these laws are creating in Iowa.

The undersigned firmly stand against these threats to our neighbors, friends, and community members and firmly alongside and in solidarity with lgbtq+ people, especially transgender and gender nonconforming people. We recommit to our support of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in the campus community and in the state of Iowa and beyond.

As a campus community, we value transgender people and believe that we should strive to see and respect the humanity in all members of our community. It is our role to make the campus community as welcoming and loving a space as we can. To remain silent during these times is to acquiesce to the voices of hate and we will not do that. That’s not who we are.

#HumanizeDrake #HumanizeMe

347
signatures
317 verified
  1. Douglas Robinett, Assistant Director of Residence Life, Drake University, Des Moines
  2. Leah Shepard-Carey, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  3. Bart Schmidt, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  4. Jen Harvey, community member, Drake University, Des Moines
  5. Elizabeth Bullock, Admin Assistant, Drake University School of Education, Des Moines
  6. Lisa Morlock, Associate, Drake University, Des Moines
  7. Matt Bruinekool, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  8. Tracy Davies, Program Coordinator, Drake University, Johnston
  9. Matthew Hayden, Associate Profess, Drake University, Des Moines
  10. Marcia Keyser, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  11. Evan Favreau, Associate Director, Office of Admission, Drake University, Des Moines
  12. Debra L DeLaet, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  13. Jordan Flynn, Budget & Office Manager, Cowles Library, Drake University, Des Moines
  14. Lynne Cornelius, Student Affairs/Prevention Education, Drake University, Des Moines
  15. Ryan Wise, Dean, Drake University School of Education, Des Moines
  16. Kendra Colbert, Office Manager, Drake University - SOE/CEPD, Des Moines
  17. Suman Rose, Financial Aid Coordinator, Drake University, Des Moines
  18. Dan Alexander, Retired Professor Mathematicc, Drake University, Des Moines
  19. Erin Menardi, Coordinator of Library Outreach and Communication, Drake University, Des Moines
  20. Todd Hodgkinson, Drake University
  21. Chris Patterson, Mail Operations, Drake Univeraity, Des Moines
  22. Casey Holmes, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  23. Debora Ellen Christensen, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  24. Renée Ann Cramer, community member, Drake University, Des Moines
  25. Shelley Fairbairn, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  26. Hannah Clayborne, Dean of Students, Drake University, Des Moines
  27. Beth Younger, Educator, Drake University, Des Moines
  28. Deb Cronin, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  29. Ryan Stoldt, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  30. Brianna Leistikow, Assistant Director of Law Admission and Diversity Initiatives, Drake Law School, Des Moines
  31. Lisa Wyatt, School of Education, Drake University, Des Moines
  32. Jaydah Burton
  33. Vanessa Lee, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  34. Victoria Soliz, School of Journalism, Drake University, Des Moines, IA
  35. Tayelon Scott, Drake University, Des Moines
  36. Miclo Cuauhtémoc González, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  37. Aleeza Ahmar, Drake University, Des Moines
  38. Tina Nguyen, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  39. Lindsay Woodward, Drake University
  40. Tonia Land, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  41. Tsheten Wangmo Tamang, Des Moines
  42. Catherine Wilson Gillespie, Associate Dean, Drake University, Des Moines
  43. Craig N. Owens, Community Member, Des Moines, Iowa
  44. William Lainez, Student, Drake university, Des Moines
  45. Anisa Hansen, Professor, Drake, Ankeny
  46. Nic Jacobson, Admission counselor, Drake University, Des Moines
  47. Maureen De Armond, Executive Director, Human Resources, Drake University, Des Moines
  48. Nathan Carter, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  49. Marli Jefferson, TA/DEI Specialist, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
  50. Chuck Philllips, Associate Dean and Professor, Drake University, Waukee
  51. Teri Koch, Professor of Librarianship, Drake University, Des Moines
  52. Michael Nelson, Assistant Dean and Professor, Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sc, Des Moines
  53. Meaghan Rowe-Johnson, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  54. Shelby Nelson, Office & External Relations Manager, Drake University, Des Moines
  55. Rose Lee, Student, Drake Univeristy, Des Moines
  56. Darla Eastman, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Drake University, Grimes
  57. Khushi Makhija, Student, Drake Univiersity, Des Moines
  58. Lynn Kassel, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Drake CPHS, Des Moines
  59. Michelle Bottenberg, Pharmacy professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  60. Amy Guiter, Campus Visit Coordinator, Drake University, Des Moines
  61. Teng vang, Student, Des moines
  62. Getsy Hernandez, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  63. Jennifer Thoma, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  64. Sara Schilling, Des Moines
  65. Charlene Skidmore, Drake Univerdity
  66. Jennifer Tran-Johnson, Higher Education, Drake University, Des Moines
  67. Maura Lyons
  68. Ryan Arnold, Director, Community Engagement, Drake University, Des Moines
  69. Tegan Byford, Student, Drake University, Ankeny
  70. Meredith Luttrell, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  71. Sara Reitelbach, student, Drake University, Des Moines
  72. Kyle Schura
  73. Reed Nenonen, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  74. Sydney Dvorak, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  75. Jill Allen, Psychology & WGS, Drake University, Des Moines
  76. Madeline Mills, Student, Des Moines
  77. Karen Pomeroy, Academic Advising, Drake University, Des Moines
  78. Emily Le, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  79. Nick Shell, Director of Community Standards, Drake University, Des Moines
  80. Lilianna Bernstein, Associate Director of Admission, Drake University, Des Moines
  81. Caitlin Ware, Graduate Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  82. Erik Maki, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  83. Chris Miller, Mental health therapist, Central Iowa psychological services, Ankeny
  84. John G. Pomeroy, Educator, Drake University, Des Moines
  85. Addie Cunningham, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  86. Allison Bjork, Assistant Director of Recreational Services, Drake University, Des Moines
  87. Alexa Andrews, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  88. Maryann Huey, Faculty, Math and Computer Science, Des Moines
  89. Amanda Russell, student, Drake University, Des Moines
  90. Marina Verlengia, Drake University, Des Moines, IA
  91. Kate Ringstad, Rehab Counseling Program Asst, Drake University, DSM
  92. Bailey Clipperton, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  93. Meghan Holloran, Student, Drake SJMC, Des Moines
  94. Andrew Welch, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  95. Alexandra Louw, Des Moines
  96. Alyssa Palacios, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  97. Mindy Clem, Drake University, Des Moines
  98. Emma Sakanovic, Probation/Parole Officer - Graduate Student, 5th Judicial District - Drake University, Des Moines
  99. Savannah Ervin
  100. Declan Flannery, Drake University
  101. Brooklin Brumfield, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  102. Renae Chesnut, Drake University
  103. Kate Elstrom, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  104. Lee Schmitz, Student Worker at Drake University, Drake University, Des Moines
  105. Julia Maure, student, drake university, des moines
  106. Megan Brown, Professor of English, Drake University, Des Moines
  107. Taylor McDonald, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  108. Jessica Lang, Drake University
  109. Patrick Bourgeacq, Director, International Recruitment, Drake University, Des Moines
  110. Eli Dohrn, Counseling Intern/Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  111. Naima Nicholson-Lovejoy, Administrative Assistant, Drake University
  112. Sarah Foley, Student, Lena
  113. Andy Verlengia, Director, Alumni Relations, Drake University, Des Moines
  114. Hannah Sappenfield, Assistant Director of Global Partnerships, Drake University, Des Moines
  115. DeDe Small, Professor, Drake University
  116. Kendra Hossain-Morehead, Director of International Student & Scholar Services, Drake University, Des Moines
  117. Adelaide kuehn, Student, Des moines
  118. Devon Vick, Student
  119. Emma Ahlin, student, Des Moines
  120. Ella Appelbaum, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  121. Lily Weaver, Student, Liberty
  122. jody swilky, Retired Professor, Drakle University, Des Moines
  123. Dakota Eiselstein, Student, Drake University, Tipton
  124. Regan Fonteyne, student, Tipton highscho, Tipton
  125. Stephanie Mayer, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  126. Eliana Mascareñas, Student, Des Moines
  127. Note Aguilar, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  128. Maren Grant, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  129. anonymous
  130. Amari Love., Admission Counselor/Grad. Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  131. Felicia Lor, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  132. Noah Spencer
  133. Parker Cohen
  134. Emily Devick, Student, Des Moines
  135. Joslyn Gillette, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  136. Rachelle Setsodi, Associate Director of Transfer Admission, Drake University, Des Moines
  137. Nate Smith, Education, Drake university, Adel
  138. Stefanie Wang, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Drake University, Des Moines
  139. Nanci Ross, Assoc Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  140. Andi Turnbull, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  141. Inbal Mazar, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  142. Brynn Kelly, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  143. Jasmine Pacheco, Student, Tipton High School, Tipton
  144. Robert Collis, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  145. Cami Marquart, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  146. Melisa Klimaszewski, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines, IA
  147. James Solomon, Dsp, Easterseals Iowa, Des Moines
  148. Catherine Staub, Dean, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Drake University, Des Moines
  149. Natalie Bayer, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  150. Sean Rogers, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  151. Serenity Lo, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  152. Sandy Henry, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  153. Amy McCoy, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  154. Megan Merino, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  155. Petra Hemphill, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  156. Bria Rhodes, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  157. Brock Mann, Student, Drake University, Clive
  158. Fiona Donnelly, Student, Des Moines
  159. Ben Connolly, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  160. Marc Pinheiro-Cadd
  161. Marcus Walsh, Student, Drake, Des Moines
  162. Megan Riordan, Student, Des Moines
  163. Amanda Fonteyne, Accountant, Tipton
  164. Marcus Thurm, Student, Student, Des Moines
  165. Matt Fonteyne, Technician, Tipton
  166. Shelby Kruse, Student, Drake university, Des Moines
  167. Chris Snider, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  168. Jill Van Wyke, associate professor, Drake University, Denver
  169. Ochuware Asuelimen, drake university, Des moines
  170. Chloe Lepak, Student, Drake University, Jenks
  171. Jeff Inman, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  172. Chinatsu Sazawa, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  173. Ayanna Trinidad
  174. Nicole Miller, FrontLine workee, Hardeea, Tipton
  175. Deneen Rae Dygert, Staff Member, Drake, Des Moines
  176. Maria Heath, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  177. Lindsey Fair, Program specialist, Muscatine
  178. anonymous
  179. Chelsea Funk, Staff, Drake University
  180. Megan Stefani, Staff Member, Drake University, Des Moines
  181. nick jackson, student, des moines
  182. Nala Gauvin, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  183. Rachel Jalloway, Student, President of Rainbow Union
  184. Ethan Nguyen, Student, Crew Scholars, Des Moines
  185. Michaela Breed, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  186. Alexandra Jennetten, Mental Health Counselor, The Meadowlark Clinic, Des Moines
  187. Sally Haack, Drake University
  188. Noah Forck, Des Moines
  189. Lisa Murphy, Recreation Director, Drake University, Des Moines
  190. Madison yoakum, Student, Drake university, Des Moines
  191. Gannon Henry, Drake University, Des Moines
  192. Tiffany Lopez, Student, Student senate, Chicago
  193. Breckyn Lyons, Student, Drake, Des Moines
  194. Grant Morgan, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  195. Ashlie Morgan, Student, Drake, Ames
  196. Renee Hall, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  197. Debbie Dremmel, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  198. Kate Bibbs, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  199. Connor Oetzmann, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  200. Cheryl Clarke, Professor and Assistant Dean, Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Waukee
  201. Gail Witte, Director of Wellness, 8800, Des Moines
  202. Jennifer Zwagerman, Associate Professor, Drake Law School, Des Moines
  203. Natalie Hamacher, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  204. Christine Marchand, Institutional Research, Drake University, Des Moines
  205. Amy Letter, Associate Professor, Creative Writing, Drake University, Des Moines
  206. kleckner, student, drake university, des moines
  207. Dylan Rollo, Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric, Drake University, Des Moines
  208. Leah Huizar, Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  209. Lauren McCarthy, Transfer Student Transition Advisor, Drake University, Des Moines
  210. Alyssa Enderton, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  211. Dina M. Smith, educator, Drake University, Des Moines
  212. Amahia Mallea
  213. Maria Rohach, Director of Education Abroad, Drake University, Des Moines
  214. Amira Allen, Visiting Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  215. Yasmina Din Madden, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  216. Sofia Turnbull, Administrative Support Specialist, John Dee Bright College, Des Moines
  217. Carol Spaulding-Kruse, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  218. Hannah Clark, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  219. Faber McAlister, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  220. Josie Hildreth, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  221. Judy Jones, Assessment Coordinator, Drake University, Des Moines
  222. Neva Lesch, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  223. Claire Mulder, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  224. Madeline Hergott, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  225. Morgan Ryan, student, Drake University, Des Moines
  226. Lisa West, professor, Drake University, West Des Moines
  227. Savannah Pinckney, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  228. Karen Leroux, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  229. Priya Shenoy, Associate Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  230. Callie Kulda, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  231. Molly Shepard, Visiting Assistance Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  232. Abbie Whittemore, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  233. Anna Klimpel, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  234. liv swaney, student, drake university, des moines
  235. Maddie Kruse, Student, Des Moines
  236. Katie Das
  237. Katie Clemons, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  238. Melanie sadecki, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  239. meaghan krafton, student, drake university, des moines
  240. Kit Reimer, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  241. Gracyn Wollmer, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  242. Hannah Lester, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  243. Emily Mockenhaupt, Student, Drake university, Des Moines
  244. Grace Lybeck, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  245. Elena Gifford, student, Alpha Phi, Des Moines
  246. Shallon McGowan, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  247. marra catherine, student, alpha phi, des monies
  248. Maria Simonetti, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  249. Samantha Cotter, Student, Alpha Phi, Des Moines
  250. Thad Smull, Staff/Student, Drake University, Waukee
  251. Kylea Sheley, Athletic Trainer, Select Medical/Drake Athletics, Des Moines, IA
  252. Brian Orellana, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  253. Laura Weber, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  254. Sarah Tracy, Student, Des Moines
  255. Ashlynn Lizer, Student, Alpha Phi, Des Monies
  256. Hayden Altena, student, Drake, Des Moines
  257. Lesly Velazquez, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  258. Chloe Slater, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  259. Madeline Cisneros, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  260. Olivia Nole, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  261. Katie Krueger, Des Moines
  262. Atlas Desmond, Drake University, Des Moines
  263. Nikki Orth, Visiting Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  264. Olivia Gadbois, CNA, Drake University, Des Moines
  265. Deb Symonds, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  266. Erin Duenwald, Drake University
  267. Elizabeth Burch, Admission Counselor, Drake University, Des Moines
  268. Grace Brinker
  269. Adam Yankowy, Assistant Professor of Theatre, Drake University, Des Moines
  270. Emma Wells, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  271. Carly Mullins, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  272. Lindsay Hillmer, Pharmacist, Pho Delta Chi, Des Moines
  273. Peyton Wood, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  274. Morgan Bump, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  275. COURTNEY S. ANDERSON, Student, Drake University, & Counseling intern, Ames
  276. Rachel Dietz, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  277. Georgia Bunkers, Student, Des Moines
  278. Shandhan Sureshbabu, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  279. Ally Klein, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  280. Savannah Roshek, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  281. Christopher Wing, CPHS Director of Assessment, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake
  282. Jacob Lish, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  283. Rika Uchida
  284. Amanda Martin, Drake University, Urbandale
  285. Jacob Lemons, Administrator, Drake University, Des Moines
  286. Kathleen Menjivar, Student, Drake University, Osceola
  287. Venessa Macro, Drake University, Des Moines
  288. Laney Guintard, Administrative Assistant, Drake University - Financial Aid, Des Moines, IA
  289. Meghan Leto, Admin Asst., Drake University, Des Moines
  290. Conor Jo Rezabek, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  291. Reagan Gerry, Student, Des Moines
  292. Sara Hughes, Admin. Assistant, Drake Law School, Des Moines
  293. David Skidmore, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  294. Katie Bush, Cloud Engineer & Student, Oracle & Drake, Des Moines
  295. Eric Saylor, Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  296. Stanley Fink, Visiting Assistant Professor, Drake University, Des Moines
  297. Mary Claire Finken, Student, Drake Law School, Des Moines
  298. Emily Albers, Student, Drake CPHS PharmD Student, Des Moines
  299. Megan Hartle, Student, Drake CPHS, Des Moines
  300. Adna Tokmic, Student, Drake University, Ankeny
  301. Zoey Possehn, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  302. Haley Pertzborn, Pharmacist, N/a, Des Moines IA
  303. Margaret Petosa, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  304. Delaney Rooks, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  305. Becky Klein, staff/faculty, Drake University, Des Moines
  306. Greg Christie, Urbandale
  307. Haley Klein, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  308. Jerome Hilscher, IT, Drake University, Des Moines
  309. Gillian Mohn, ITS Communications Manager, Drake University, Des Moines
  310. Tina Timm, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  311. Alicia Mann, Staff, Drake University, Des Moines
  312. Geena Rasmussen, ITS, Drake University, Des Moines
  313. Ryley Covington, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  314. Abigail White, Student, Drake University, Des Moines
  315. William Klein, Staff, Drake University, Des Moines
  316. Lilah Anderson, Anderson Gallery Manager, Drake University, Des Moines
  317. Sidney Dickenson 4/21/2022, Drake University
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