November 3, 2022
Dear Pitt Community Members:
Stickers designed to disparage and harass the trans community have appeared on campus and in the surrounding area. These stickers run counter to our values and our institutional policies, which expressly prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s gender and gender identity.
If you have seen and felt the impact of these stickers, please consider filing a report via the Pitt Concern Connection.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to ensuring that members of the trans and non-binary community feel welcome, safe and included. As part of this work, we are focused on maintaining and enforcing policies that prevent and prohibit sexual misconduct and discrimination on our campuses. If you have not already done so: Explore Pitt resources on gender inclusive restroom and housing options, inclusive gender transition guidelines and more.
I look forward to continuing to partner with you to offer a supportive, vibrant and successful campus experience for all.
Sincerely,
Clyde Wilson Pickett
February 8, 2022
Statement from the University of Pittsburgh
The University is aware of a faculty member using inappropriate and offensive language during a class. The faculty member’s comments stand in direct opposition to our values and the appropriate University’s offices have engaged with both the faculty member and students. As a university, we remain steadfastly committed to creating an inclusive environment that allows everyone to succeed and events like this underscore how important this work continues to be. We encourage the Pitt community to report incidents like these so the university can assess the situation and promptly respond.
October 27, 2021
Dear Members of the Pitt Community:
Like many of you, today provokes many strong emotions as we reflect on the devastating violence that took place at the Tree of Life synagogue three years ago. The attack — the deadliest on the Jewish community in the United States — shocked and saddened our community and the world. Our thoughts are with the victims of violence and those in our community who are affected by the situation.
Once again, the entire University of Pittsburgh is invited to stand in solidarity with the Pittsburgh community in remembering the events of Oct. 27, 2018, and honoring those who were killed that day. A Tree of Life commemorative ceremony — led by the 10.27 Healing Partnership, and featuring contributions from several community partners, survivors, and interfaith leaders — will be held today in Schenley Park at 4:30 p.m.
Please remember our fellow classmates and colleagues may be overwhelmed with emotion today and that as a University, we are committed to supporting a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for everyone. Together, we will continue to work toward a future where equity, justice, and safety for all are the expectation—not the exception.
We care about the safety and well-being of our community members. If you need help, are overcome with emotion or just want to talk, please consider one of the resources listed below. These contacts are available and ready to support you today and every day.
For Students
University Counseling Center is available 24/7 at 412-648-7930
Memo on Religious Observances and Student Well-Being During the Academic Year
TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)
Let’s Talk (short teletherapy sessions)
Graduate and Professional Students
For Faculty and Staff
Life Solutions is available 24/7 at 1-866-647-3432
Supporting Student Well-Being (University Center for Teaching and Learning)
April 16, 2021
Dear Pitt community members:
We share this message as an act of awareness and to promote solidarity. The recent wave of news has forced us to bear witness to intolerable, frightening and unconscionable acts of violence. For many of us, these images are retraumatizing and emotionally overwhelming. We are further aware that the nation is on edge as we await the outcome of the Derek Chauvin trial. These circumstances in the midst of a continuing pandemic bring to the forefront the need for critical self-care and reflection. We encourage you to take time away from distractions and use your discretion to unplug from sources that disrupt your well-being.
As a community it is vital that we connect with those who affirm our wellness and bring us comfort. The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion stands ready to listen and support. Across the entire Pitt community, we must also continue to develop and share the resources that help advance our action.
In this time of discomfort, if you want to confidentially speak to a counselor for support or to process a situation, there are resources on campus that you can use. Students may reach out to the University Counseling Center 24/7 and staff and faculty may reach out to LifeSolutions online or at 1-866-647-3432.
There is significant work to do in our country to realize an equitable and just society. A necessary component of that work is a whole, healthy, grounded and unified community poised to pursue peace and justice. May we all use this time to stand together in our focus on critical self-care, so that we may be better positioned to respond to the challenges ahead.
August 28, 2020
The heart-wrenching news of yet another shooting of a Black person involving law enforcement is a painful reminder that systemic racism remains firmly rooted in communities throughout America. Seeing the shooting of Jacob Blake poured salt on the unhealed wounds that are a result of generations of trauma. This pain was further exacerbated by the shootings of three protesters in the night that followed. Simply put, we are immersed in turmoil and in need of a course for change.
My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and the individuals who were injured in Kenosha, WI. While many of us have recently taken specific steps to address the ills of systemic racism and oppression, the events in Kenosha are a reminder that we have much work to do. The collective and pervasive inequities and injustices that routinely advantage some and routinely disadvantage people of color, particularly Black people, is a reality that needs our full attention and action.
As a learning community, we must all examine our role in actively stewarding an equitable and just society, and we must heed the call to action and endeavor to advance racial justice. The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion stands ready to provide both support and training to all stakeholders in our effort to progress social justice. To this aim, our office is implementing a University-wide anti-racism education series that will launch this fall. In the immediate future, we extend an invitation and encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioners to join us for the Inclusion Network gathering on September 9 at 11a.m. EDT, as we convene members of the broader Pitt DEI community to ignite collective action. We stand together in partnership with other University and regional community members committed to advance an anti-racism agenda and the work towards fostering an inclusive, equitable, and just community for all.
I extend my condolences and personal prayers to the families of Jacob Blake, Anthony Huber, Joseph Rosenbaum, and Gaige Grosskreutz as well as to others impacted by this tragedy.
Yours in solidarity,
Clyde Wilson Pickett, EdD
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
University of Pittsburgh
Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
June 18, 2019 (reissued from September 18, 2017)
Dear University community:
During the Obama administration, a policy directive was issued to the military that would have allowed for the recruitment of transgender individuals. The Trump administration reversed this directive in an August 25, 2017 Presidential Memorandum and ordered the military to maintain a policy of prohibiting the recruitment of transgender individuals, pending further study.
The University is required by several federal laws, including the Solomon Amendment, to permit the military to recruit on-campus, despite the fact that its recruitment policy directly conflicts with the University of Pittsburgh's Non-Discrimination Policy. Compliance with these laws should not be construed as agreement with the ban against the recruitment of transgender individuals. To the contrary, the University remains committed to diversity, inclusion, non-discrimination, and equal protection under the law.
If you have any questions regarding our policies and our practices in this area, I encourage you to contact our office by calling 412-648-7860 or email at diversity@pitt.edu.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
April 12, 2019
Earlier this semester, leaders at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford learned of a video posted by a member of their campus community. This video contains a racially offensive message that runs contrary to our deeply held values. And, while bigoted and hurtful speech on a public university campus may be protected by free speech per our constitution, we at the University of Pittsburgh are compelled to call this content what it is: egregious, hurtful and wrong.
Pitt-Bradford has investigated this issue and—though privacy concerns limit their public response—we want to reiterate that the University of Pittsburgh is dedicated to creating an open and inclusive environment across our five-campus system. Today and every day, we continue the difficult work of realizing this vision, and we will hold all of our community members to the highest standards of integrity, consideration and respect.
March 23, 2019
Statement from Dean Bonner
Dear Pitt Students,
The trial of former police officer Michael Rosfeld has concluded. Last night, Michael Rosfeld was found not guilty on all counts for shooting and killing unarmed 17-year old Antwon Rose II on June 19, 2018.
My thoughts and prayers are with Antwon’s loved ones, including his mother, Michelle Kenney. As a father of four children, I was moved by Ms. Kenney’s letter to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office in which she expressed her love for Antwon and her commitment to fight for justice, his legacy and memory.
There is no verdict in this world that could have restored Antwon’s life and his future. This is a reality that has deeply saddened me since his death.
Antwon’s mother called him a “rose that grew from concrete.” Sadly, her rose will never have the opportunity to stretch his arms and enjoy the sunshine in what W.E.B. Du Bois eloquently envisioned as the Kingdom of love.
Antwon, who is black, was shot and killed by a white police officer. The nature of Antwon’s death and the officer’s not guilty verdict magnifies and provokes our country’s racial tension, stark inequity, and further corrodes historically contentious relationships between law enforcement and many black Americans. If you identify as a person of color and especially black and male, Antwon’s death and the trial of a white police officer may resonate in profound ways.
I recognize the emotional toll that this trial has had on many of our community members. You may question whether your black life matters or whether justice exists in the hearts and souls of others in our society. If you are a person who believes in social justice, you may grow weary or lose faith in constructive ways to affect change in our country. You may even ask, is Pittsburgh really stronger than hate?
Recurring tragedies in the United States have the potential to discourage and divide us rather than unite us. To this end, I encourage students to continue engaging in productive discussions, empathize with and support one another, and to seek out—as needed—available support resources and services. I urge you to continue the challenging and necessary task of working together to address the systemic inequities in our society and build a fairer, brighter future for all. This is central to our success and community.
In the aftermath of this trial, please remember that our Pitt community is stronger when we stand together in solidarity. And though our University is not perfect, we are fully committed to truth, virtue, diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. We are also fully committed to educating future generations of leaders and advocates who will make the world better for those who follow—including the many roses, still seeking the sunlight, among us.
Sincerely,
Kenyon R. Bonner, EdD
Vice Provost and Dean of Students
"I believe in Liberty for all men [people]; the space to stretch their arms and their souls; the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking, dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of God and love.”
-W. E. B. Du Bois
January 22, 2019
I am writing today to reiterate the University’s values in the midst of national developments that impact members of our community. In February 2017, the federal government announced changes to guidance from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education under Title IX regarding transgender students accessing facilities that correspond with their gender identity. In February 2018, it announced that it would not investigate complaints into bathroom practices filed by transgender individuals. In 2018, there were reports that the government may seek to define gender in an artificial and discriminatory way. Most recently, the Supreme Court permitted a ban on military service by trans individuals to move forward.
The Pitt community should know that these actions do not diminish the University’s commitment to the rights of our transgender and non-binary community members. To the contrary, the University of Pittsburgh will be vigilant in maintaining and enforcing its policies, procedures and practices that expressly prohibit discrimination based on gender and gender identity, including our sexual misconduct and non-discrimination policies. The University developed these policies and practices based on its core mission and values, with broad input from the community, and based on many forms of guidance. Indeed, our commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment has never been stronger.
A compilation of relevant resources, policies and procedures can be found on our LGBTQIA+ resources page.
If you have any questions regarding our policies and our practices in this area, I encourage you to contact our office by calling 412-648-7860 or email at diversity@pitt.edu.
December 5, 2018
Please read this message from SVC of Research expressing institutional commitment to protections from harassment and discrimination.
October 28, 2018
Dear University Community,
It is a struggle to articulate the depth of pain resulting from the Tree of Life tragedy. The FBI reports that the murders, in a holy place, were motivated by hate and anti-Semitism.
As taught by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) through its “Pyramid of Hate,” acceptance of discriminatory attitudes and biases has a cumulative and devastating effect if left unchecked. The Tree of Life tragedy demonstrates the truth in this teaching. Learn more from the ADL.
We offer our support and love to all of those directly affected by the murders, to our Jewish community, and our community at large. We mourn for this staggering loss of life and the violation of the sacred.
Beyond support for those affected, the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion promises its steadfast commitment to continue to fight every day to eradicate bias, discrimination and hate. We invite and welcome all members of the community to join us. We are all in this together. We must come together to combat the evil of discrimination in all forms.
For resources, please see the Pitt Cares webpage.
Sincerely,
Pam Connelly
October 27, 2018 - Statement of Chancellor Gallagher
We are deeply saddened by this morning’s shocking tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill. This senseless act of violence, in a place that many in our community call ho me, is a source of great pain and sorrow. These acts of hate and terror contradict every human value that we hold dear at the University of Pittsburgh, and we stand united with all of those impacted.
See https://www.chancellor.pitt.edu/
October 25, 2018
Dear University community:
In February 2017, the federal government announced changes to guidance from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education under Title IX regarding transgender students accessing facilities that correspond with their gender identity. In February 2018, it announced that it would not investigate complaints into bathroom practices filed by transgender individuals. Most recently, there have been reports that the government may seek to define gender in an artificial and discriminatory way.
These actions do not diminish our commitment to the rights of our transgender and non-binary community members. To the contrary, the University of Pittsburgh will be vigilant in maintaining and enforcing its policies, procedures and practices that expressly prohibit discrimination based on gender and gender identity. The University developed these policies and practices based on its core mission and values, with broad input from the community, and based on many forms of guidance. Indeed, our commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment has never been stronger.
A compilation of relevant resources, policies and procedures can be found on our LGBTQIA+ Resources page.
If you have any questions regarding our policies and our practices in this area, I encourage you to contact our office by calling 412-648-7860 or email at diversity@pitt.edu.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
June 26, 2018
The University of Pittsburgh community has been deeply impacted by the tragic shooting death of Antwon Rose Jr.
We have been made aware of racial and offensive social media posts in response to the demonstrations following Antwon's death. These posts run directly contrary to our mission and our core values.
We take this matter very seriously. And while we will take appropriate responsive action, we cannot comment on personnel matters — including discipline — for any of our community members.
The University of Pittsburgh strives to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone is respected. The events in our world around us, and within our community, compel us to continue working together to realize this vision.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
March 22, 2018
For an update regarding the Department of Communication investigation, please review Dean Kathleen Blee's statement.
January 26, 2018
Dear University community:
Recently, the University became aware of a twitter account that published racist and anti-Semitic posts attributed to Pitt students and discussed other concerning incidents. The images and language in the posts are disturbing, repugnant and contrary to Pitt’s mission and values. The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is currently looking into the issues. We remain dedicated to, and focused on, fostering a diverse and inclusive University community and we encourage individuals to report potential incidents of discrimination, bias or harassment that impacts our Pitt community.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
December 20, 2017
A Message from Chancellor Gallagher
Dear University Community:
As some of you may be aware, a recent blog post in Ms. Magazine alleges incidents of sexual harassment and discrimination that occurred more than 10 years ago in our Department of Communication within our School of Arts and Sciences. In light of the questions this post has raised—and the seriousness of the issue at hand—I want to take this opportunity to clearly affirm where we stand as a University and how we are responding to these allegations.
First and foremost: Our top priority and concern is the safety, security and well-being of our students and our employees. Discrimination and harassment of any kind are wholly unacceptable and run contrary to our academic mission and our values as an institution. We are working to ensure that the current culture within our Department of Communication is free from discrimination and harassment. Our Title IX Office is leading a full investigation to assess the department’s present culture and practices. In addition, we will be initiating an external review of previous claims related to the department that date back more than a decade.
Pitt is committed to promoting an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Our Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion supports this work and is home to our Title IX Office, which is dedicated to fostering a campus culture free from sexual harassment and discrimination. Any Pitt community member with concerns or questions related to sexual misconduct on campus should contact our Title IX Office at 412-648-7860, titleixcoordinator@pitt.edu.
By working together, we can ensure that our University is free from sexual misconduct, harassment and discrimination.
Sincerely,
Patrick Gallagher
November 16, 2017
Dear University community:
In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) published a regulation deferring men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood for one year after their most recent sexual encounter. While this new regulation demonstrated progress from an earlier lifetime ban, it remains concerning.
This regulation appears to discriminate against healthy MSM donors, who are otherwise eligible to donate, based on their sexual orientation. Regulations which appear to be discriminatory are not consistent with the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy and are troubling. The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion joins other organizations around the country and urges the FDA to reexamine and update its current regulation based upon an individualized risk assessment and to develop and implement scientifically validated tools for assessing such risk to ensure the safety of the blood supply with the aid of the most up-to-date HIV testing technology.
The University remains committed to diversity, inclusion, non-discrimination, and equal protection under the law.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
September 29, 2017
The University is aware of Westboro Baptist Church members’ plans to meet on public property near our campus. This group, which originated in Topeka, Kansas, has a history of rhetoric that aggressively targets LGBTQIA individuals, as well as members of the Catholic Church and the U.S. military, among other groups. WBC has staged demonstrations at funerals of veterans, high schools, and on campuses. Both the methods and message of WBC are at odds with our core values of inclusion and respect for all members of our university community. Despite our disagreement with the group’s tactics and messages, the University will respect the First Amendment rights of those who peacefully and legally protest. However, we also will take seriously our role in protecting the safety of our students, staff and faculty and we expect all demonstrators to do the same.
September 18, 2017
Dear University community:
During the Obama administration, a policy directive was issued to the military that would have allowed for the recruitment of transgender individuals. The Trump administration reversed this directive in an August 25, 2017 Presidential Memorandum and ordered the military to maintain a policy of prohibiting the recruitment of transgender individuals, pending further study.
The University is required by several federal laws, including the Solomon Amendment, to permit the military to recruit on-campus, despite the fact that its recruitment policy directly conflicts with the University of Pittsburgh's Non-Discrimination Policy. Compliance with these laws should not be construed as agreement with the ban against the recruitment of transgender individuals. To the contrary, the University remains committed to diversity, inclusion, non-discrimination, and equal protection under the law.
If you have any questions regarding our policies and our practices in this area, I encourage you to contact our office by calling 412-648-7860 or email at diversity@pitt.edu.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
September 7, 2017
A message from the Title IX Coordinator:
The Title IX Office at Pitt wants to remind the community that our commitment to the letter and the spirit of Title IX remains unchanged. We will continue to work every day to improve our efforts to serve both complainants and respondents. Politics won’t change the reality that 1 in 4 college age women, and 1 in 11 college age men will experience sexual misconduct. These numbers are unacceptable to all reasonable people.
Beyond the guidance and policy we implement are the people whose experiences are improved by the effective application of Title IX. We are seeing a generation of students who better understand prevention, consent, and safety as essential parts of the educational experience. And we have more work to do. We are committed to providing an educational and employment environment free from discrimination or harassment. This has been the intent of Title IX since its passage in 1972.
Since 2011, debate has gone on about governmental guidance and the meaning of Title IX. What is not debatable, however, is the value of the change brought about by our increased focus on sexual misconduct in the educational environment. The awareness, education, and services brought forth to address sexual misconduct in education have started to improve a long time problem: how does someone continue studying, working, and being productive when exposed to sexual misconduct? While we can analyze and seek to continuously improve our current systems, those systems are significantly improved from just 6 years ago. We will continue to support and serve the entire University community, including all the men and women who come forward to seek relief from sexual misconduct, and all those working to improve the climate at Pitt.
I encourage you to contact our office and explore our website to learn more. There are numerous events planned for this year to bring awareness to these issues. Please visit on our events page for ongoing updates.
The Title IX Office remains here to serve the Pitt community.
Sincerely,
Katie Pope
August 2017
Dear University Community,
Pitt stands against bigotry, racism, and violence, and will not waiver in its commitment to a diverse, inclusive environment. Unlawful harassment, discrimination and violence will not be tolerated. As an institutional member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, we support the principles and perspectives set forth below.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
February 23, 2017 (Updated February 19, 2018)
Dear University community:
In February 2017, the federal government announced changes to guidance from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education under Title IX regarding transgender students accessing facilities that correspond with their gender identity. In February 2018. it announced that it would not investigate complaints into bathroom practices.
In the wake of this announcement, I want to clarify that our policies and practices regarding protection from discrimination based on gender and gender identity, including specific policies and practices regarding access to university facilities, remain unchanged. The University developed these policies and practices with broad input from the community and based on many forms of guidance, and these policies and practices support our commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
If you have any questions regarding our policies and our practices in this area, I encourage you to contact our office by calling 412-648-7860 or email at diversity@pitt.edu.
Respectfully,
Pamela W. Connelly
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion