Westminster College accepted the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Equality Award on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at the 15th Annual HRC Utah Dinner.
The Equality Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of an individual or organization who dedicates time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. The awards presented at the Human Rights Campaign gala dinner are the highest honor the organization bestows in the area of achieving equality for LGBTQ people.
HRC Utah honored Westminster College for a demonstrated campus-wide commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The college has cultivated a thriving learning community through a steadfast promise of inclusivity through programs, politics and practices. Westminster President Beth Dobkin accepted the award on behalf of the college.
“Westminster’s efforts run from our board of trustees to our students; through our institutional polices, department goals and the work of individuals across campus. We’re building skill development in this area across all of campus,” said Dobkin.
Dobkin praised students for challenging and charging Westminster to be accountable, responsible and responsive to their ever-evolving lived experiences. It was a student who first advocated for using preferred pronouns on campus. As a result of their work, the college was soon handing out student-designed pronoun pins at orientation, talking to parents and students and educating faculty and staff.