This message is being sent to all members of the CSGD listserv:
Dear students and colleagues,
You are likely aware that there are several bills pending in the North Carolina state legislature which, if passed, will have a direct impact on the LGBTQ community - especially those who identify as transgender, gender non-conforming or non-binary - across the state.
In light of these bills and the discussion around them, we are reaching out to reaffirm our commitment to steadfastly support, stand with, and empower the LGBTQ community and to our policy that protects the rights of the LGBTQ community at Duke University.
Know that we will continue to work to ensure Duke is an environment where everyone can thrive and pursue their goals without fear for their safety, fear of discrimination, or bias. As we all navigate the developments surrounding the legislation, our teams will convey updates on any changes that might impact your rights as students, faculty, and staff.
We recognize that the introduction and debate around these bills, regardless of their outcomes, can have significant impact on one’s sense of safety and belonging. Along with your peers and community who support you, we want to remind you of the resources available on campus should they be needed at any time. Students, please note that our student resources are available over the summer months, and many are accessible from wherever you’ll be studying or working this summer if you’re away from Duke.
To all our trans, gender nonbinary and gender queer students and colleagues: your presence within Duke’s community is deeply valued and seen. We hold your well-being as our top priority. We encourage you to reach out to us, your colleagues, and supports any time we can be helpful. We will continue to listen, stand with, and support this entire community.
Sincerely yours,
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice President/Vice Provost Student Affairs
Kimberly Hewitt
Vice President for Institutional Equity
Shruti Desai
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for Student Engagement
CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers many services to Duke students, including telemental-health appointments. Any student can call 919-660-1000 to speak with someone, or for assistance with referrals in your local community.
DUKEREACH: DukeReach will help you identify support services from among the variety of resources across campus or in your local community. You can contact DukeReach at 919-681-2455 or by emailing dukereach@duke.edu.
IDENTITY AND CULTURAL CENTERS: The Student Affairs Identity and Cultural Centers also serve as important resources and places of connection and support for many of our students. The centers are offering programming and support throughout the year, including summer. Our ICCs include: Center for Multicultural Affairs, Center for Muslim Life, Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Duke International Student Center, Jewish Life at Duke, Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, and the Women’s Center.
BLUE DEVILS CARE: 24/7 telemental-health support to all students at no cost, through immediate and scheduled appointments. Visit BlueDevilsCare.duke.edu.
STUDENT HEALTH: Student Health is the primary source for a wide range of healthcare services for all Duke students. During COVID-19, Student Health remains open for essential services and offers virtual visits, and students may call (919) 681-9355, option 2, during business hours to speak to a triage nurse. For urgent matters after hours, students can always speak to a nurse by calling 919-966-3820.
DUKE CHAPEL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE AT DUKE: Duke Chapel and Religious Life at Duke offers a wide range of student supports, whether or not you are connected to a religious tradition at all. Visit their website to connect with leaders from any of Duke's diverse faith groups, all of whom are experienced in offering emotional and spiritual care, and a non-anxious presence with a humanistic listening ear, to college-age students
ACADEMIC DEAN: Your Academic Dean is a key resource when navigating the university. Contact your Academic Dean if you need support with an absence, missed work, or issues such as academic planning, course withdrawals, and leaves of absence as needed. Note that there are separate academic deans for Trinity and Pratt. Graduate and professional students can contact the academic deans for their specific school.
SA ON-CALL TEAM: Student Affairs has a 24/7 on-call team to support urgent student matters. For urgent concerns after business hours, you may contact the Dean on-Call (cell: 984-287-0300), or if you are living in residential spaces, you may connect with the Residence Coordinator On-Call by contacting your Residential Assistant On-Call or directly through Duke Police (919-684-2444).
FOR STAFF: Personal Assistance Service is the faculty and employee assistance program that offers assessment, short-term counseling and referrals to help resolve a range of personal, work and family problems. PAS services are available free of charge to Duke faculty and staff, and their immediate family members.
