Updated March 6, 2017

The Supreme Court vacated the prior decision of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of Virginia trans man Gavin Grimm. The case has sent back to the Fourth Circuit for further evaluation in light of the decision by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Education to rescind previous guidance regarding the rights of transgendered individuals in U.S. primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions of education.

Statement on Transgender Student Rights

President Biddy Martin
President Biddy Martin

by President Biddy Martin

Letter to the Amherst Community:

I am writing to express dismay at yet another action at the federal level that is diametrically at odds with the values of the College: the decision by the Trump administration to withdraw a mandate that transgender students be treated by their schools in ways consistent with their gender identity.

Read the full statement

The Title IX Office is here to help and support you.

The revocation of the federal guidance does not change Amherst College’s approach to supporting equal access to educational opportunities and benefits to all members of the Amherst College community.

This means you are entitled to equal and fair access and treatment in all places, like, for instance:

  • athletic facilities
  • classrooms
  • residence halls
  • social events; etc.

Amherst’s Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to each and every person on campus, regardless of sex or gender identity, and it specifically prohibits gender-based harassment.

Transgender students who feel they have experienced concerning treatment because of their gender identity should consider working with the Title IX Office for:

Victim/survivors who choose to work with the Title IX Office have many options. The Title IX Office listens and tries to support the agency of all victims/survivors.

We know that this is a time of much uncertainty.

We are with you.

Laurie Frankl, Title IX Coordinator