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mnhtnbb

(31,397 posts)
Fri Apr 8, 2016, 09:31 AM Apr 2016

Campaign for alumni of UNC to cancel donations until UNC does an about face on HB2

It was not a surprise to hear that the new President of the University system, Margaret Spellings, (GW Bush's Education Secretary), hired by Republicans, has given
marching orders to all campuses to follow HB 2. No surprise at all. She's a total disaster and there has already been serious opposition to her from students
and faculty.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/under-the-dome/article70542252.html

Found this on fb this morning.

I just cancelled my monthly donations to UNC-Chapel Hill due to the UNC System's decision to adhere to HB-2. I encourage like-minded alumni to do the same by writing an e-mail to annualgiving@unc.edu that explains why you are making this decision.

Even if you have not been giving previously but otherwise may have been inclined to do so, I recommend that you write Carolina to let them know that you will make no donations until HB-2 is repealed or overturned or Carolina decides to adhere to applicable federal laws rather than this unconstitutional provision. Below is some suggested text (from my e-mail pictured herewith, portions of which are borrowed from a press release issued by Lambda Legal, ACLU of North Carolina, and Equality North Carolina).

Feel free to borrow heavily, but I suggest that you personalize to fit your own unique situation and feelings:

Dear Office of University Development Representative:

I write to regretfully cancel my monthly donations to the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. I learned today of the UNC System's decision to adhere to the requirements of HB-2. It’s incredibly disappointing that the University of North Carolina has concluded it is required to follow this discriminatory measure at the expense of the privacy, safety, and well being of its students and employees, particularly those who are transgender. By requiring people to use restrooms that do not correspond to their gender identity, this policy not only endangers and discriminates against transgender people – it also violates federal law. Until such time as HB-2 is repealed or overturned by the federal courts, or the UNC System determines that it should adhere to and respect Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the requirements of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the right to privacy inherent in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and basic principles of fairness and decency, I shall not make any future contributions to my alma mater.

As a faithful and devoted Tar Heel who loves his alma mater and state of birth, this decision pains me to no end, and I look forward to what I believe is the inevitable day that my home state and alma mater recognize the very misguided decisions they have made regarding enactment and implementation of HB-2, whether it be through judicial mandate, political or economic pressure, or -- better yet -- self-analysis and evolution to realize the importance of extending equal and fair treatment to all North Carolina residents regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

With sincere regrets,

Doug Ferguson
UNC-Chapel Hill Class of '93 (BA-Journalism with Distinction)
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law Class of '96 (JD with Honors)
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