Sexuality & Gender Diversity Faculty Staff Council

Our council’s purpose is to provide space for people to establish, build, and maintain community. Our focus is to create an immersion space with queer folks and to have a space where we can be authentically queer and be valid in our identities. We use this platform to be a more centralized and unified voice for queer + issues and be the voice for people who cannot be out and safe to advocate for change from micro to macro level.

Constitution Condensed

Purpose & Goals

The purpose of the council is to support programs and initiatives focused on growing a culturally rich campus through community building, advocacy, social justice and diversity education, leadership and the development of informed citizens. The Council works to identify institutional, structural, and cultural initiatives that make the University of Kansas and welcoming, accepting, and vibrant learning environment for LGBTQIA+ communities.

Membership

Membership shall be open to all university faculty, unclassified/support staff, and graduate students who are interested in and supportive of the objectives stated above.

Current Council Leadership

  • Monroe Hanson, President

  • Shelby Herring-Mitchell, Vice President

  • Morelle Cox , Communications Chair

  • Claire Marshall, Social Chair

  • Carter Reed, Grad Student Representative

Council Activities

All council activities are based on general member input. Here are some of our past events:

  • Participated in the 2024 Lawrence PRIDE Parade with the Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity
  • Winter Potluck
  • Book club with Native Faculty Staff Council reading Ladybird Collected
  • KU Drag Showcase attendance
  • Movie screenings
  • Happy hours
  • End-of-Semester picnic
  • Lavender Graduation

Advocacy & Partnerships

The Faculty Staff Council has individuals operate in campus liaison capacities based on their availability and willingness. In that capacity, individuals may:

  • Attend and engage in regular meetings with the Provost and Office of Civil Rights & Title IX leadership to advocate for queer/trans needs.
  • Engage in inter-council partnerships to build community and advocate for intersectional approaches and relationships.
  • Meet with prospective staff/faculty/graduate students upon request to build relationships and provide information about campus culture.
  • Partners, collaborates, and advocates with the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity. Assists with the implementation of Safe Zone trainings.

Contact Information

The best way to get directly in touch with the SGD Council is via email. There are also several other ways to get connected.

Bronze statue in front of Strong Hall with Jayhawk Blvd in the background.