It’s no secret that there are a number of hot-button issues on campus regarding the philosophy and future path of Hollins, with the University’s transgender policy topping the list. This year the transgender issue on campus has come to a head, with a new group of students spearheading fresh campaigns for change. We’ve all heard the heated conversations regarding the newly updated transgender policy, and we’ve all seen the blue flyers calling for gender-neutral bathrooms plastered on restroom stalls and dorm hallways. However, as outspoken as they are in their campaigns, the group, which calls themselves EqualiT*, is incredibly secretive about members’ respective identities.
“We all have a lot to lose here,” said a member of the group. “Many of our supporters hold positions on campus and receive scholarships. We’re very afraid to step forward, because we know there will be backlash.”
As the student expressed, the group is also concerned for transgender students who wish to express their self-identity. Due to Hollins’ transgender policy, transgendered students live in fear of expressing their true self-identity. The policy states that any student who “’self identifies’ as a male” and takes steps to initiate any process that would constitute “sex reassignment from female to male,” will be assisted in finding a new institution to attend.
“Transgendered students often experience fear and violence at co-ed universities,” said another group member, who requested to be anonymous. “We feel safe at Hollins.”
EqualiT* argues that the transgender policy as it exists now is inconsistent with the University’s mission statement, which speaks of Hollins’ emphasis on “civility, integrity, and concern for others” and the value of “diversity and social justice.” The group asserts that Hollins prides itself on inclusivity but fails to include the transgendered population, who came to Hollins seeking a safe space to develop their own identities and grow as individuals.
The group also insists that Hollins’ representation in marketing materials is artificial and misleading, depicting only one faction of a very diverse population at Hollins. With all the problems Hollins is experiencing in retention and enrollment, the group insists that Hollins is not reaching all demographics through its advertising.
“When I was applying to schools, Hollins was last on my list until I came to visit. The reality of the school was very different from the idea I got from the brochures. If I had known what this school was really like, I would have been more interested from the start.”
“The lack of support we have gotten from administration makes us call into question who the driving force of this college is,” said an anonymous member. “Imagine what would happen if [the administration] took on the students’ perspectives. Great things would happen.”