King's Principal's Message on LGBTQ2+ Inclusivity

Message from the Principal:

This week in London (July 16-26) and the month of June, it is extremely important for each and every one of us to celebrate the wonderful diversity of our community, and our genuine desire to love and care for each individual – regardless of sexual orientation. To that point, I want to wish a Happy Pride Week to everyone at King’s University College who are part of the LGBTQ2+ community, and to their allies and supporters.

At King’s we strive to be an inclusive community, but we have a long way to go. Some conversations have occurred with some changes on campus but it has not been enough. We recognize we need more action. We have made some changes to our facilities and our Students’ Council installed a rainbow crosswalk, but is it appropriate to say that we are completely welcoming? Sadly, no. The bottom line is that there is much to do and as the Principal, I will avoid the trap of platitude and strive to take real action. Every sign of unjust discrimination must be prevented and stopped.

The next step will be to re-constitute the LGBTQ2+ Advisory group to develop a mandate for King’s that will serve our community and will be consistent with our Catholic values to respect the dignity of each and every individual. I want to thank the students, faculty, staff and administrators who spent many hours last year establishing the LGBTQ2+ Advisory group. Your feedback has helped me better understand the needs of campus to deliver King’s mission as an inclusive and empowering space.

King’s values a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community, to promote social justice and to speak uncomfortable truths. These values will shape the framework of the Advisory group as we move forward.

In the coming weeks we will work on a draft framework for the LGBTQ2+ Advisory group and following that request applications for membership.

Thank you and Happy Pride Week in London.

David C. Malloy, PhD
Principal
King’s University College