A message regarding the recent Roe v. Wade decision
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,
I write today as our nation continues to process the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and its implications for legal access to abortion in states across the country. Of course, this subject raises heated debate in our society. But this ruling was unique in removing a longstanding right for an entire class of citizens, specifically women and pregnant people. I recognize the distress and trauma that this outcome has caused for many members of our community.
As you may be aware, in 2019, New York passed the Reproductive Health Act, which codified Roe v. Wade protections into state law and assures access to safe and legal abortions in the state. Accordingly, I want to affirm that the Supreme Court’s decision has not changed the campus healthcare services that are available to our students. Specifically, the same safe, unbiased, and confidential reproductive and sexual healthcare services that our Office of Health Services made available to our students prior to the Supreme Court’s decision remain available today without change.
But, of course, most of our students do not come to Skidmore from within New York, and even if they do, many will not always reside here — a reality that further reinforces how this issue extends beyond geography and indeed across varying identities. This ruling is likely to disproportionately impact people of color and low-income individuals and families. Racial justice is a critical focus of the College, and we are deeply concerned for how this ruling will impact those who have been marginalized in our society, as well as the risks this ruling may ultimately pose to other rights related to privacy, race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and much more.
When the academic year begins later this summer and our full community returns, the College will offer educational forums to our campus community to discuss these matters in open and collaborative dialogue. I know that then, as now, our community will demonstrate empathy and compassion for everyone’s perspectives and lived experiences and the different impacts of the Court’s decision on different members of our society.
For those who have more immediate questions or concerns, I want to stress that there are multiple resources available for you at Skidmore:
- Health Services staff are available to help answer any questions regarding students’ campus healthcare.
- Staff in Student Affairs, including in Leadership Activities, the Office of Community Service Programs, and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life are also available to discuss any aspect of these matters.
- Staff and faculty in need of support should reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may be reached at 518-793-9768.
As always, I encourage robust participation in the democratic process that is so important to preserving the rights and liberties we hold dear. Contentious issues require our most thoughtful efforts. Because this is Skidmore, I know we will continue to seek the best in ourselves and each other as we strive to overcome the challenges of our time.
Sincerely,
Marc Conner
President