MHC: An Inclusive Women's College

Dear members of the Mount Holyoke College community,

Mount Holyoke is an inclusive women’s college with a long history of providing students with a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environment. As we know, not every Mount Holyoke student identifies as a woman. But every student at Mount Holyoke has the right to live and learn in an inclusive environment that is free from hostility and respectful of their identity. We are deeply committed to this belief — and to all of our students.  

To this end, Mount Holyoke’s Teaching and Learning Initiative recently provided classroom guidance to faculty on respectful ways to address students. The values that guide our community are not well understood by all, as evidenced by the recent attention we have received from a variety of websites and news outlets, and by the ensuing correspondence and comments on social media. Today, as a result of this attention, you may even have seen news crews on campus.

We understand that holding these values — and standing by them — often comes at a price, especially in an age of viral sound bites. But we will not shy away from upholding and defending our values, or from advocating for the identities expressed by all members of our community.

Sincerely,

Sonya Stephens
Acting President