Dear Vanderbilt community,
We are reaching out to all members of our community to offer support in light of the recent press surrounding Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s gender-affirming care and policies.
The university is deeply committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQI+ community. We have worked, and continue to work, to build an institutional culture of belonging where all members of our community are valued and respected and where their identities are affirmed.
While the university is not involved with clinical decisions and is a separate legal entity from VUMC, we recognize the many connections between our campus community and the Medical Center.
Thus we understand that this media coverage may affect members of our community—prompting discussion, a need to process continuing developments, questions about faculty expression and academic freedom, and concerns about safety.
In the days since the story broke, we have been coordinating with VUMC to engage with and support students, faculty and staff—particularly those who have been directly affected by reaction to news reports. The university and VUMC are also coordinating with Vanderbilt University Public Safety to address safety concerns.
Please be assured that we remain dedicated to providing an environment in which all members of our community can feel comfortable expressing their views freely. VUMC has issued a statement that may inform these discussions. You can find it here.
We strongly support the right of faculty members and students to share opinions and engage in intellectual debate without fear of censorship or retaliation, a position that is consistent with the university’s commitment to academic freedom.
As always, the university’s wide network of support is available to you as needed—including the following resources:
- University Counseling Center – Call 615-322-2571 to speak with an on-call behavioral health provider.
- Student Care Coordination – Schedule an appointment online or call 615-343-WELL (9355).
- Center for Student Wellbeing – Call 615-322-0480 to schedule an appointment.
- Employee Assistance Program – Call 615-936-1327 for a confidential appointment.
- The K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life – Call 615-322-3330 or visit at 2304E Vanderbilt Place.
If you have any questions or concerns about campus safety, please reach out to Vanderbilt University Public Safety at 615-322-2745 (non-emergency), or call 615-421-1911 if you need immediate assistance.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to these resources—and to one another—in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Daniel Diermeier
Chancellor
C. Cybele Raver
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs