Lambda Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School
Open to students, faculty, and staff of the Law School, Penn Law Lambda meets regularly for social events and political activities. Penn Law Lambda works to represent LGBTQ concerns in academia and in the wider community, organizes forums, and brings speakers to campus.
Statement Regarding Supreme Court Ruling on Transgender Military Ban
January 24, 2019
Dear Penn Law Community,
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court declined to hear cases challenging President Trump’s order to ban transgender people from serving in the military and determined that the administration may implement the ban while lower courts hear appeals challenging the policy’s constitutionality. By lifting a nationwide injunction that had prevented the Trump administration from implementing the so-called “trans ban,” the Supreme Court sent the clear message to transgender people that––no matter their qualifications––they aren’t fit to defend their country.
Penn Law Lambda believes every qualified individual should be able to serve in the U.S. military regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strongly oppose President Trump’s decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military as well as the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the ban to proceed.
We are particularly alarmed by the fact that this policy comes on the heel of other attempts by this administration to dehumanize LGBTQ people. For instance, under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Education rescinded guidance protecting transgender students, and the Department of Health and Human Services moved to create a definition of “sex” that erases transgender people. In short, this administration has made its position quite clear: it seeks nothing less than the exclusion of transgender people from public life and the dismantling of trans-inclusive legal protections won under the last administration.
To be sure, Penn Law Lambda recognizes that President Trump’s decision as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces does not represent the values and opinions of all service members. We appreciate, value, and respect the service our colleagues have given, or will give, to our country through military service. Moreover, we acknowledge that certain military leaders have expressed views and taken stances in opposition of the ban. Nevertheless, we write this statement today to bring awareness to a discriminatory policy that harms members of our community.
In the days and weeks to come, we invite you to join us in solidarity as we advocate for transgender members of our community and their ability to live––and if they desire, serve––openly as their full, authentic selves. Please check in with the transgender people in your life, educate yourself on issues facing transgender people [1], and use your own voice to challenge attempts, small and large, to devalue and delegitimize transgender people and their experiences.
Penn Law Lambda
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[1] We suggest starting here: https://transequality.org/about-transgender
January 24, 2019
Dear Penn Law Community,
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court declined to hear cases challenging President Trump’s order to ban transgender people from serving in the military and determined that the administration may implement the ban while lower courts hear appeals challenging the policy’s constitutionality. By lifting a nationwide injunction that had prevented the Trump administration from implementing the so-called “trans ban,” the Supreme Court sent the clear message to transgender people that––no matter their qualifications––they aren’t fit to defend their country.
Penn Law Lambda believes every qualified individual should be able to serve in the U.S. military regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strongly oppose President Trump’s decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military as well as the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the ban to proceed.
We are particularly alarmed by the fact that this policy comes on the heel of other attempts by this administration to dehumanize LGBTQ people. For instance, under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Education rescinded guidance protecting transgender students, and the Department of Health and Human Services moved to create a definition of “sex” that erases transgender people. In short, this administration has made its position quite clear: it seeks nothing less than the exclusion of transgender people from public life and the dismantling of trans-inclusive legal protections won under the last administration.
To be sure, Penn Law Lambda recognizes that President Trump’s decision as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces does not represent the values and opinions of all service members. We appreciate, value, and respect the service our colleagues have given, or will give, to our country through military service. Moreover, we acknowledge that certain military leaders have expressed views and taken stances in opposition of the ban. Nevertheless, we write this statement today to bring awareness to a discriminatory policy that harms members of our community.
In the days and weeks to come, we invite you to join us in solidarity as we advocate for transgender members of our community and their ability to live––and if they desire, serve––openly as their full, authentic selves. Please check in with the transgender people in your life, educate yourself on issues facing transgender people [1], and use your own voice to challenge attempts, small and large, to devalue and delegitimize transgender people and their experiences.
Penn Law Lambda
###
[1] We suggest starting here: https://transequality.org/about-transgender
Statement Regarding Military Recruitment at Penn Law
September 19, 2017
Dear Penn Law Community,
Today, recruiters from the U.S. military will be on campus conducting interviews and an information session. These recruitment efforts come after President Trump’s recent decision to ban transgender persons from serving in the military. Ultimately, this decision discriminates against transgender persons, flies in the face of the Obama Administration’s advancement of inclusive policies, and runs contrary to President Trump’s promise to support the LGBTQ community.
The Solomon Amendment requires recipients of federal funding, including the University, to permit military recruiters on campus regardless of non-compliance with the University’s non-discrimination policy. Penn Law Lambda respects and appreciates the University’s inclusive policies in trying to advance and safeguard LGBTQ rights and equality. However, it must be acknowledged that this type of recruiting effort excludes certain members of our community.
Penn Law Lambda believes that every qualified individual should be able to serve in the U.S. military regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Thus, our organization strongly opposes President Trump’s recent decision to ban transgender persons from serving in the military. Moreover, research published by the RAND Corporation refutes the President’s cited fiscal and social rationale for the decision, showing that it is both arbitrary and degrading.[1]
Penn Law Lambda recognizes President Trump’s recent decision as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces does not represent the values and opinions of all service members. We appreciate, value, and respect the service our colleagues have given, or will give, to our country through military service. Moreover, we acknowledge that certain military leaders have expressed views and taken stances since President Trump’s decision that suggest opposition to the ban. Nevertheless, we write this statement today to bring awareness to non-inclusive policies that harm our LGBTQ members and run contrary to Penn Law’s anti-discrimination policy. Penn Law Lambda stands against any policies that deprive individuals of equality and lead to discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.
Penn Law Lambda is currently planning events for the coming year that will highlight developments in LGBTQ advocacy, including issues specifically related to transgender rights. We aim to encourage discourse on these and other important LGBTQ issues over the course of the year, and hope that you will join us in solidarity in advocating for equality and inclusion.
Penn Law Lambda
###
[1] https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1530.html
September 19, 2017
Dear Penn Law Community,
Today, recruiters from the U.S. military will be on campus conducting interviews and an information session. These recruitment efforts come after President Trump’s recent decision to ban transgender persons from serving in the military. Ultimately, this decision discriminates against transgender persons, flies in the face of the Obama Administration’s advancement of inclusive policies, and runs contrary to President Trump’s promise to support the LGBTQ community.
The Solomon Amendment requires recipients of federal funding, including the University, to permit military recruiters on campus regardless of non-compliance with the University’s non-discrimination policy. Penn Law Lambda respects and appreciates the University’s inclusive policies in trying to advance and safeguard LGBTQ rights and equality. However, it must be acknowledged that this type of recruiting effort excludes certain members of our community.
Penn Law Lambda believes that every qualified individual should be able to serve in the U.S. military regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Thus, our organization strongly opposes President Trump’s recent decision to ban transgender persons from serving in the military. Moreover, research published by the RAND Corporation refutes the President’s cited fiscal and social rationale for the decision, showing that it is both arbitrary and degrading.[1]
Penn Law Lambda recognizes President Trump’s recent decision as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces does not represent the values and opinions of all service members. We appreciate, value, and respect the service our colleagues have given, or will give, to our country through military service. Moreover, we acknowledge that certain military leaders have expressed views and taken stances since President Trump’s decision that suggest opposition to the ban. Nevertheless, we write this statement today to bring awareness to non-inclusive policies that harm our LGBTQ members and run contrary to Penn Law’s anti-discrimination policy. Penn Law Lambda stands against any policies that deprive individuals of equality and lead to discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.
Penn Law Lambda is currently planning events for the coming year that will highlight developments in LGBTQ advocacy, including issues specifically related to transgender rights. We aim to encourage discourse on these and other important LGBTQ issues over the course of the year, and hope that you will join us in solidarity in advocating for equality and inclusion.
Penn Law Lambda
###
[1] https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1530.html
