One year ago today, the only all-male historically Black college and university (HBCU), Morehouse College, announced its gender identity policy. The same campus that cultivated men like Martin Luther King Jr., Spike Lee, Herman Cain, Samuel L. Jackson, Maynard Jackson, Michael Sterling Sr. and is now illuminating the path for students in the transgender community.
The policy will take effect in the Fall 2020 semester, meaning the policy applies to all students who are accepted to Morehouse’s class of 2024 and all classes that follow.
Once admitted, the student is expected to continue to self-identify as a man throughout his matriculation at Morehouse.
—Morehouse College Gender Identity Admissions and Matriculation Policy
The college released the following statement:
Since its founding in 1867, Morehouse College’s mission has been to develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service. Every aspect of this unique college is, and always will be, designed to prepare our graduates to flourish and make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
This mission is powerful, transcendent, and remains the driving force in the decisions we make as an institution.
In furtherance of our mission, tradition, and values as a men’s college, and in recognition of our changing world and evolving understanding of gender identity, Morehouse will now consider for admission applicants who live and self-identify as men, regardless of the sex assigned to them at birth. Women will not be eligible for admission at Morehouse.
We will also continue to use gendered language that reflects our identity as a men’s college.
This admissions policy affects students who transition while enrolled at Morehouse. Once admitted, every student will receive the individualized support that is an essential part of the Morehouse experience. However, all students are expected to continue to self-identify as men throughout their matriculation at Morehouse. If, during a student’s time at Morehouse, a student transitions from a man to a woman, that student will no longer be eligible to matriculate at Morehouse.
Exemptions from this rule may be granted by a three-person committee appointed by the President after a written appeal is submitted by the student. If the student disagrees with the committee’s decision, the student may make a final appeal to the President of Morehouse.
The appeal must address why the student desires continuation at Morehouse, a school explicitly designed for men, and any hardship to be incurred by forced withdrawal.
If a student decides that, as a men’s college, Morehouse no longer offers the appropriate educational environment for the student, or if an enrolled student begins to self-identify as a woman, we will offer guidance and resources to assist in making choices that are best for that student.
This policy applies to all students who enroll in Morehouse after the Fall 2020 semester. Students enrolled before the Fall 2020 semester are not subject to this policy.
View the full listing of details for Morehouse College’s new policy.
Alumni, LGBTQ advocates, current and prospective students and weighed in on the conversation.
The college’s student-run newspaper, The Maroon Tiger shared the following message.
Media coordinator of the National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, Monica Roberts, shares “it has been a long time coming.”
Frequently Asked Questions include:
Who is eligible for admission to Morehouse College?
Morehouse College accepts applications from individuals who live and self-identify as men and who seek an outstanding liberal arts education in a unique environment designed and implemented to serve them.
What does it mean to self-identify as a man?
The applicant must identify himself as a man and his application materials must support this self-identification. If the applicant has any questions or concerns, he can speak with an admissions counselor.
Are trans men eligible for admission?
Yes. Under this new policy, Morehouse will accept applications from those who live and self-identify as men – which includes trans men.
Are trans women eligible for admission?
No. Morehouse accepts applications from those who live and self-identify as men. Applicants assigned male at birth who now identify as women are not eligible for admission.
What about a Morehouse student who transitions to a woman before she completes her degree?
A student who transitions to a woman or begins to self-identify as a woman during her tenure at Morehouse will no longer be eligible to matriculate at Morehouse College.
Exemptions from this rule may be granted by a three-person committee appointed by the President after a written appeal is submitted by the student. In the event that the impacted student disagrees with the decision of the committee, the student can make final appeal to the President of Morehouse.
The appeal must address why the student desires continuation at Morehouse, a school explicitly designed for men, and any hardship to be incurred by forced withdrawal.
Are individuals who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming eligible for admission?
Morehouse College recognizes that not all gender non-conforming students use the term transgender to describe their identity. As such, we also welcome students who identify as gender non-conforming or gender non-binary to apply and matriculate.
The policy says the school will ‘continue to use masculine pronouns’ and the ‘language of brotherhood’; however, you say you welcome non-binary or non-gender conforming students. How is that possible?
That section of the policy defines how we will speak and write at the institutional level. For example, during large assemblies or presentations, as well as in our mass marketing and communications, we will continue to reference the brotherhood. The student body will be referred to as the “men of Morehouse” and our alumni base as “Morehouse Men.” But on an individual basis, if a student or community member would rather not be addressed as “he”, “him” or “his” we will, of course, honor that and address that individual as they wish.
Is this policy another way to create a dress code?
No. Morehouse does not have a college-wide dress code. Certain events require formal attire, but there is no dress code. This policy addresses gender identity, not attire.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a beautiful experience that were designed to include, advance, accept and support Black students and Black culture. Salute to Morehouse for continuing that founding mission.
