On January 16, 2025, LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education held a Virtual Town Hall for members to discuss concerns about changes that are coming from the new administration in Washington, DC. Since then, we have seen swift actions at the federal level that validate those concerns. 

Three of the most important actions related to LGBTQ communities and higher education are executive orders that defined only two sexes, purged DEI staff in government positions, and banned trans women athletes in women’s sports. There is no doubt that the Trump administration will attempt to dismantle DEI programs in colleges and universities around the country. Three executive orders (at the time of this writing) were issued that limit transgender rights. While many of the federal actions are clearly illegal or unconstitutional and legal challenges are underway or expected, much damage has already begun.

Kristin Esterberg, Board President, hosted the Town Hall.

Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud, former Board member, facilitated.

At the Town Hall, Board President Kristin Esterberg invited attendees to share their primary concerns, as queer leaders, as 2025 begins. Former Board Member, Regina Stanback Stroud, led off the Town Hall meeting and set some context. Dr. Stanback Stroud mentioned several issues that higher education officials should be prepared for, including a rollback of federal protections for LGBTQ individuals, challenges to campus inclusion policies, and threats to research funding and academic freedom. She also reminded us that “our strength lies in our unity and resilience.” We have the power, she told us, to reinforce our institutional non-discrimination policies, foster inclusive campus environments, and collaborate with allies across sectors.

Importantly, Dr. Stanback Stroud said that we must reaffirm our commitment to our shared mission. Our mission statement reads, “LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education advances effective leadership in the realm of post-secondary education, supports professional development of LGBTQ leaders in that sector, and provides education and advocacy regarding LGBTQ issues within the global academy and for the public at large.”

As an organization, LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education strongly condemns the discriminatory, misguided, and harmful executive orders from the Trump Administration. These orders and other actions from officials in the administration and in Congress pose a direct threat to the work of our individual members and member institutions. We find them anathema to the values and goals of higher education in the United States. LGBTQ Leaders urges the higher education and LGBTQ communities to stand together and when possible speak out in support of our communities. 

Members and attendees shared a number of issue that concern them:

• Restrictions on DEI conversations and programs
• Protection from discrimination for trans students under Title IX
• Acceptance of harmful rhetoric and intolerant speech in policy and the classroom
• LGBTQ students being pushed back in the closet or discouraged from coming out in the first place
• Higher ed officials complying in advance to anti-DEI initiatives
• Tensions and conflict between and within BIPOC communities and our intersectional LGTBQIA community.  

The Town Hall included breakout rooms about what members are seeing generally, what they are facing on their campuses, and what they are fearing. A second set of breakouts discussed how attendees are coping, what they are planning, and what they would like LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education to do. 

Concern for students was paramount. Many of our colleagues reported doubling down on their support of trans, undocumented, and immigrant student populations, through mentoring or strengthening ties to community organizations. Others are hosting workshops and activities for faculty and staff to learn more about supporting LGBTQ issues, DACA students, and students of color in general. One participant was adamant that leaders need to “actively support these efforts, ensuring that the support translates into tangible actions” and not just words. 

Participants told us, via the Town Hall and a survey distributed later, what they hope to see from LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education. Here are a few of the things they told us:

• reiterate our commitment to all members of the LGBTQ community and to supporting members’ other/intersectional identities.
• form coalitions with other organizations to increase advocacy and political influence, create policy briefs and recommendations, work with legislators, and provide opportunities for members to engage politically.
• offer sessions at the Leadership Institute that address community work and partnerships.
• provide guidance on social justice-centered leadership 
• ensure we protect libraries, find innovative ways to protect our communities, support medical schools and pre-med programs to ensure continued flow of doctors capable of providing gender-affirming care.
• create materials that inspire hope and remind members of past successes in facing challenges.
• organize regional face-to-face meetups for members.
• create virtual spaces or brown bag lunches for members to connect, especially those feeling unsafe on their campuses.
• compile and share strategies for supporting undocumented students.
• develop resources on creating safe spaces on campuses.
• provide guidance on data collection and privacy for LGBTQ students.

Finally, several participants joined from areas of the country where they do not feel personally or professionally safe. They asked for guidelines for personal safety plans for members in vulnerable locations. 

Some of the recommendations include things we are already working on, others will take more time. What we pledge is to work hard as an organization to meet the challenges that we collectively are facing and we invite you, as you are able, to join with us and to support each other.

While so much is in flux right now, what we know is that we are stronger together. Our collective histories document that we are a mighty force, and that we are prepared, as a community, to work together to ensure our collective future.

Be safe and stay connected.

LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education

Jim Berg, PhD, Executive Director

jberg@lgbtqpresidents.org

www.lgbtqleaders.net