Editor of the Branding Iron,
I write the following in response to a letter to the editor about Senate Resolution #2635 posted in the Branding Iron on November 16th, written by fellow student Jaxson Heyrend. As a transgender woman and author of this resolution I just wanted to make clear it’s purpose, and respond to some comments made about the resolution, and my co-authors and I.
Yes, the resolution is a message of support for transgender, non-binary and otherwise gender non-conforming students at our university. Your arguments about Article 5, Section 5.01 of the ASUW By-Laws are confusing; you accuse us of not knowing it existed, then criticize us for referencing it. Regardless, the resolution’s co-authors and I felt it was important to include as evidence that the resolution falls in line with ASUW’s goals and values.
Although ASUW is meant to promote the liberties of each student, I felt this resolution was necessary to reaffirm that duty. Speaking from experience and for many of my peers in Laramie’s trans community; living in this city, this state and this country does not always feel safe, and we often find ourselves being disrespected and treated as lesser by peers, strangers, institutions, and governing bodies for simply existing. Furthermore, Addendum B of the resolution contains statistics from the Campus Climate survey conducted at UW that suggest gender non-conforming students are much more at risk of sexual assault, attempted or completed rape, sexual harassment, and intimate partner and dating violence than other students. Above all the resolution addresses this and makes it clear that more must be done.
In response to ASUW not focusing on events for students I implore you to look at the poster boards in the Wyoming Union, as there are many events throughout the year that are funded by ASUW and have properly labeled posters displaying the ASUW logo. As for the Senators you’re praising for opposing the resolution; I just wanted to let you know that the resolution passed unanimously.
I’d also like to acknowledge that I’ve received a lot of positive feedback already regarding this resolution. One constituent wrote “Since becoming a UW student, I haven’t had much interest in ASUW and generally felt lukewarm about their involvement in student affairs. This fast response has increased my support for ASUW and their mission, and I hope more efforts like this will continue in the future.” I’ve received overwhelming support for Resolution #2635, with few people expressing dissatisfaction with the resolution as it stands.
If you take issue with any further legislation please shoot me an email (you are my constituent after all), there are also regular Legislative Listening Sessions that are held the Thursday before a bill is up for debate at 7:00pm in the Senate Chambers, and students are more than welcome to voice their concerns in Senate before a bill is up for debate. I find it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive with these things.
Best,
Jordan Pierson (she/her/hers)
