This is an open letter to Chancellor Black from student Lee Hanson on how the loss of Angie Nichols affects LGBTQ students. Her thoughts and opinions are her own and not endorsed by any UMD staff, faculty or group.
Dear Chancellor Black,
It is with a heavy heart I write this. I have stopped and started, erased and gone back more times than I care to count, trying to find the words that will best resonate in the halls of our institution. I do not know if I’ve found those words but I have done my best.
I have been a student at UMD for four years now; I started here in 2011. I was not out to many people when I arrived. I was excited to come to what I thought was an open and safe campus.
I don’t know if that’s true anymore.
Coming out was difficult for me. I come from a small town. Not everyone in my life responded well. This is an experience that many people in my community share. Many have stories much worse than my own.
Angie Nichols has been a pillar in our community and a port in the storm for so many at UMD. She has fought tirelessly for the students in the Queer community. She finds- or found- resources so students not only survive but also thrive at UMD.
I do not need to say how difficult that is for people in my community.
Self-advocacy is hard for many. It is a learned skill. Angie helped us learn this. She supported us when we couldn’t support ourselves.
Last spring I gave an interview about our new LGBTQ minor. I spoke to how bringing this minor to UMD brought the individual support I experiencedto the broader institutional level.
Sadly I have come to regret these words.
As you are well aware our university lost our campus pride designation.
I support this loss.
This designation is not a right. It is something that is continually earned through the betterment of our campus. We have not done that.
The retaliation claim was investigated internally. This makes me ashamed to associate myself with UMD. An internal investigation lacks integrity and credibility. It speaks to a culture of fear that encourages and enforces silence. It is shameful and that alone makes us unworthy of any designation we could be offered.
I do not know how we can come back from this spot we’re in but I really hope we can.
The institution has shrouded itself in a house of cards that is a breath away from falling. I’m calling for transparency from you. I’m calling for the university to EARN our pride designation.
My community needs support. Students in crisis have turned to Angie for support and guidance. Because of concerning actions taken on the behalf of the university there is a glaring void on our campus. The damage is done but it is not too late to move forward.
I am asking you to work with us to fill the void in our community, earn back our trust. Handle all retaliation claims out of house. Talk with my community and more importantly listen to us. We need our voices heard and you have the power to hear us.
Once this happens we can discuss how we can earn back our pride designation.
We as students are calling for accountability- how will you answer us?
Sincerely,
Lee Hansen Criminology and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies QASU Member