March 16, 2023
Dear Pitt Community,
In recent days I have heard from a number of community members understandably concerned about three upcoming events on campus.
As you may be aware, two registered independent student organizations are sponsoring the events. These events feature controversial speakers whose expressed views on transgender rights and identity raise significant concerns about equity and for the belongingness of all our community members. Speakers include Cabot Phillips and Riley Gaines, as well as a debate between Michael Knowles and Deirdre McCloskey, a distinguished economist who is a transgender woman.
While some community members have called on Pitt to cancel these events, it is important to remember that registered independent student organizations are permitted to invite outside speakers of their choosing to campus if they follow University guidelines and the law. Also, use of Pitt property by a student organization does not mean that Pitt endorses the event or the speaker’s expressed viewpoint.
As a public university, we must and do uphold the principles of protected speech and expression. That is a tradition and an expectation as old as the University itself—and it lies at the heart of free and open inquiry and academic discourse.
We acknowledge that legally protected speech and expression can at times offend, marginalize, and cause distress to some members of our community. A recent speech by Michael Knowles disrespected transgender individuals by suggesting that their identities are false. Such rhetoric is repugnant.
I want to emphatically state that hate-filled rhetoric is not what our community stands for. I stand for—and with—all Pitt community members, including our trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming community members. I affirm not only their right to exist and thrive, but also value their vibrant contributions to our academic community.
Last week’s statement from the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion clearly describes our focus and outlines the resources we have had in place for some time to work to ensure support and advocacy for our faculty, students, and staff. I want to reinforce that message and the resources it shares. We will steadfastly support those in our community who may be affected by these upcoming events—now or in the days ahead.
A few academic areas have already proactively shared plans to engage in counter speech in response to the planned events. This is the type of intellectual exchange and peaceful dissent that will serve us best.
One fact is unshakable and unchangeable: Before, during, and after these events, our touchstones—the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion—will continue to not only persist and sustain us but will gain even more strength.
Our Pitt Promise affirms that, “The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the advancement of learning and service to society. This is best accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility, self-restraint, concern for others, and academic integrity.”
Working together—united together—the Pitt community will lead by fine example—continuing to embrace diversity, most especially in the face of misunderstanding and antagonism.
Hail to Pitt!
Ann E. Cudd
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor