Cumberland School of Law is in the process of establishing a LGBTQ+ recognized law student organization called Cumberland OUTLaws. The purpose of this group will be to promote diversity and encourage legal studies specific to the LGBTQ+ community. Samford University must approve this group via a complex recognition process.
Unfortunately, Samford University has historically refused to formally recognize ANY LGBTQ+ organization on its campus. When a group attempted to do so in 2016 (Samford Together), their request was not even presented to the Board of Trustees (a final step in the approval process).
Samford’s non-discrimination clause states “The University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, gender...”. Due to a recent US Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sex-based discrimination …includes claims of sexual orientation and gender identity-based discrimination.
If Samford does not approve this group, it will be considered a form of discrimination under law and a breach of their “Core Values” (e.g., “learning and responsible freedom of inquiry”, “appreciation for diverse cultures and convictions”, and “personal empowerment, accountability, and responsibility”).
By signing this petition, please express your support for the creation of Cumberland OUTLaws, a LGBTQ+ recognized student organization devoted to inclusion, equality, and legal education of LGBTQ+ Cumberland students and their allies.
Updates
November 8, 2021
The administration continues to ignore our requests for a clear timeline on the approval process. Send an email to the board of trustees demanding they honor their own non-discrimination policy today. Post this link to Facebook to keep the pressure on our campus leadership.
November 8, 2021
The momentum behind this petition is undeniable and shows that our community demands fairness for all students at Samford. Post this link on your Facebook feed today and email your law school representative to insist that they prioritize this recognition process.
14 Comments
Senior Pastor of Pilgrim UCC in Birmingham. We support all students having the ability to form support groups and networks, particularly LGBTQ students and staff.
Failure to approve this group denies the members' inherent worth and dignity, a core tenet of my faith.
Associate Pastor, First United Methodist Church-Birmingham
Choir Director - First United Methodist Church, Birmingham, AL
Minister on staff at First United Methodist Church in Birmingham, AL
Supportive of this new group and I hope it is successful in gaining university recognition
This is definitely needed, and I fully support it!
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Cumberland School of Law is in the process of establishing a LGBTQ+ recognized law student organization called Cumberland OUTLaws. The purpose of this group will be to promote diversity and encourage legal studies specific to the LGBTQ+ community. Samford University must approve this group via a complex recognition process.
Unfortunately, Samford University has historically refused to formally recognize ANY LGBTQ+ organization on its campus. When a group attempted to do so in 2016 (Samford Together), their request was not even presented to the Board of Trustees (a final step in the approval process).
Samford’s non-discrimination clause states “The University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, gender...”. Due to a recent US Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sex-based discrimination …includes claims of sexual orientation and gender identity-based discrimination.
If Samford does not approve this group, it will be considered a form of discrimination under law and a breach of their “Core Values” (e.g., “learning and responsible freedom of inquiry”, “appreciation for diverse cultures and convictions”, and “personal empowerment, accountability, and responsibility”).
By signing this petition, please express your support for the creation of Cumberland OUTLaws, a LGBTQ+ recognized student organization devoted to inclusion, equality, and legal education of LGBTQ+ Cumberland students and their allies.
Updates
November 8, 2021
The administration continues to ignore our requests for a clear timeline on the approval process. Send an email to the board of trustees demanding they honor their own non-discrimination policy today. Post this link to Facebook to keep the pressure on our campus leadership.
November 8, 2021
The momentum behind this petition is undeniable and shows that our community demands fairness for all students at Samford. Post this link on your Facebook feed today and email your law school representative to insist that they prioritize this recognition process.
14 Comments
I would strongly urge school leaders to act in keeping with such recent Supreme Court decisions as Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, and the school's own stated Core Values -- "learning and responsible freedom of inquiry", "appreciation for diverse cultures and convictions", "personal empowerment, accountability, and responsibility" -- by moving forward with recognition of the law student organization named Cumberland OUTLaws.
Senior Pastor of Pilgrim UCC in Birmingham. We support all students having the ability to form support groups and networks, particularly LGBTQ students and staff.
Failure to approve this group denies the members' inherent worth and dignity, a core tenet of my faith.
Associate Pastor, First United Methodist Church-Birmingham
Choir Director - First United Methodist Church, Birmingham, AL
Minister on staff at First United Methodist Church in Birmingham, AL
Supportive of this new group and I hope it is successful in gaining university recognition
This is definitely needed, and I fully support it!
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I would strongly urge school leaders to act in keeping with such recent Supreme Court decisions as Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, and the school's own stated Core Values -- "learning and responsible freedom of inquiry", "appreciation for diverse cultures and convictions", "personal empowerment, accountability, and responsibility" -- by moving forward with recognition of the law student organization named Cumberland OUTLaws.